Blackburn Cathedral Organ Appeal
Our iconic Cathedral Organ is famous across the world for its remarkable sound, innovative design and unique appearance.
We are aiming to raise £250,000 to restore the organ to peak performance and as music is so crucial to the life of the Cathedral, we hope all who love the Cathedral, its music and the organ in particular will contribute towards this appeal.
Everyone who plays our famous Walker organ is overwhelmed by the breathtaking experience; we need to act now to ensure that this instrument remains in the best possible condition. This is a wonderful opportunity to help make sure that this significant musical treasure continues to inspire generations of organists and composers.
We have created a separate website for the Organ Appeal where you can find out more and support the campaign:
Our organ sounds amazing, why do we need to do anything?
Over time, any organ with so many pipes on display will get dirty and the pipes are choked with dust and dirt. Leather changes in quality and wood changes in shape and although our organists are making every effort to work around the problems, the touch of the organ is now quite erratic.
More concerningly, the brightness and ‘sizzle’ for which our organ is so famous has lost its edge. The tuning is now fairly unstable and we are finding that notes suddenly stop working and need to be mended at considerable cost.
What is needed?
There are over 4,000 pipes in the organ ranging from the height of a pen to a double decker bus.
Each needs to be cleaned so that it sounds as exciting as it did originally. We need to regulate all the stops so that they speak uniformly and predictably and we need to replace worn-out leather.
The work that needs to be done will save considerable sums in regular repairs, as well as maintaining our unique musical heritage.
How can I help?
We have created the Organ Appeal to supplement any grant funding that we may receive. Restoring the organ will be cost-prohibitive without the support of members of the public.
When the organ was built in 1969, it was the result of an act of extreme generosity from Mr. William Thompson of Burnley, Lancashire.
We need to raise £250,000 to restore the organ and as music is so important, we hope all who love the Cathedral, its music and the organ in particular will contribute towards this appeal.
Sponsor a Pipe Campaign
Show your support for the Organ Appeal by sponsoring a pipe of your choice.
You can play a crucial role in restoring one of the UK’s most iconic organs, ensuring it inspires and delights for generations to come.
Each sponsored pipe is unique, and as its exclusive sponsor, you'll make a lasting contribution to future organ music at Blackburn Cathedral. Please sponsor now and support this significant restoration project.
Your support matters
Here’s why these esteemed advocates are supporting our Appeal:
John Robinson
Director of Music, Blackburn Cathedral
"Hearing this unique organ every day is an immense privilege. It’s highly unusual colour palette and it’s almost mischievous concept make it an important part of the UK’s musical landscape and a major Blackburn landmark."
John Hosking
Organist in Residence, Blackburn Cathedral
"Our iconic organ is the most colourful and versatile instrument that I’ve played. We are so fortunate to have this unique resource and preserving it is so important as we continue to inspire future generations of organists and composers."
Dr. John Bertalot
Organist Emeritus, Blackburn Cathedral
"I designed our 1969 organ with Werkprinzip, French reeds and 32ft Serpent, in consultation with Francis Jackson & JW Walker - and raised the entire money to pay for it. I also played a creative part in the organ’s enlargement. What a privilege!"
Anna Lapwood MBE
International Concert Organist and Associate Artist of The Royal Albert Hall
"The organ is such an exciting instrument; when it’s playing at its best, it has a glorious fizzing brightness and such a wealth of colours to explore. Please help support its restoration so the organ can inspire current and future organists for generations to come."
Sir Andrew Parmley
Director, Royal College of Organists
"The organ in Blackburn Cathedral is an outstanding instrument of national importance. It brings so much joy and inspiration to so many and, in my view, it must be restored as an iconic example of the finest British artistry."
David Hill MBE
International Conductor, Past Director St. John’s College Cambridge
"The Blackburn Cathedral organ is an iconic instrument and national musical treasure which should be preserved for future generations. It serves the liturgical life of the Cathedral alongside the vast organ repertoire with equal distinction."
David Briggs
Artist in Residence, Cathedral of St. John the Divine, New York
"I’ll never forget - at age 14 - my first experience of this organ. It sizzled, sparkled and embraced. It was an enormous musical catalyst and I’ve always had the sound of the Blackburn Cathedral in my imagination. It invites you to think out of the box, through its vivacity and effervescence."
Tom Bell
Concert Organist and Regional Director of Royal College of Organists
"The organ at Blackburn Cathedral is such an inspiration. It’s thrilling to hear (and to play!) and is a unique piece of local history and a vibrant part of Blackburn’s future. It is internationally famous, with good reason! I just love it."
Martin Baker
International Concert Organist
"Blackburn Cathedral’s organ is an iconic instrument, unique in the British cathedral tradition and inspiring both to play and to hear. Now into its sixth decade it is vital that it receives the care it needs to continue in its role for years to come."
Learn more about the Blackburn Cathedral Organ
