The Grand Organ Festival
A Celebration of Sound, Heritage, and Community
Bristol Cathedral’s historic organ has returned to full voice following 18 months of meticulous restoration. Throughout 2026, we’re pulling out all the stops for a year-long celebration of music, craftsmanship, and discovery. From world-class recitals to family workshops and orchestral collaborations, come with us on a musical journey.
Michał Szostak
This Week’s Recital
Michaeł Szostak Organist
Fabián Greš
This Week’s Recital
Fabián Greš – Organist
Simon Hogan
This Week’s Recital
Simon Hogan – Organist
Carolyn Craig
This Week’s Recital
Carolyn Craig – Organist
Christopher Jones
This Week’s Recital
Christopher Jones – Organist
WOOFYT: Explore the Science of Music
Build, Play and Discover: The Science of the Organ
Featuring WOOFYT Ever wondered how an organ creates its powerful sound? Join us for a hands-on family experience exploring the science, technology and creativity behind one of the world’s most remarkable musical instruments. Through WOOFYT, the Wooden One-Octave Organ for Young Technologists, children and families can investigate how organ pipes work, discover the mechanics behind music, and experiment with sound for themselves. Designed for curious minds of all ages, this interactive activity combines music, engineering and discovery in a fun and accessible way. Alongside the workshop, families can also enjoy Crafty Cathedral, with free drop-in musical arts and crafts activities running throughout the morning. No booking is needed for the craft activities. Workshop sessions (75 minutes):- 9.30am
- 10.50am
- 1.00pm
- 2.20pm
Jonathan Hope
This Week’s Recital
Jonathan Hope – Organist
Carleton Etherington
This Week’s Recital
Carleton Etherington – Organist
New Bristol Sinfonia
Luke Bond
This Week’s Recital
Luke Bond – Organist- ↓ ↓ ↓ ↓ ↓ ↓ ↓ ↓ ↓
- Watch our Director of Music Mark Lee demonstrate the sounds of our Cathedral Organ
The restoration of Bristol Cathedral’s organ was a labour of love, supported by the Cathedral Trust, the Harry Crook Foundation, and skilled craftsmen at Harrison & Harrison. Every pipe, key, and mechanism was carefully rebuilt, and this vital work has secured the future of this remarkable instrument for generations to come.
For the first time in decades, pipes and colours that had fallen silent are now fully available again. Some have not been heard in living memory. The instrument feels responsive, balanced and alive in a new way, not changed in character, but revealed more completely as itself.
It is a rare thing to hear a historic instrument at the beginning of a new chapter. The Grand Organ Festival offers that opportunity. From major concerts to lunchtime recitals, silent film improvisation to orchestral collaboration, family workshops to national broadcast, the programme invites people of all ages and backgrounds to experience the organ in different ways.
This organ is not simply part of the Cathedral’s past. It stands at the heart of its worship, its musical life and its welcome to the city. Now that it is fully restored and ready, we hope more people than ever will come to hear it, whether for the first time or with a fresh perspective.
What you’ll hear
Greater clarity
Lines feel more defined. When the Choir sings, the organ supports without overwhelming. Individual voices within the music can be heard more distinctly.
A wider dynamic range
From a near whisper to full Cathedral-filling power, the instrument now responds more flexibly to the music being played.
Newly returned colours
Stops that had fallen silent for decades are now speaking again. There are softer sounds for reflective moments, and reverberant full tones for great occasions.
A renewed sense of balance
You do not need to be an expert to hear the difference. Simply listen for the contrast between stillness and splendour.
What to expect
If you worship here
Experience familiar services with fresh depth and power. The organ will lift congregational singing and enhance choral settings. Expect to hear fabulous music such as Messiaen in our Ascension Day service.
If you love music
From evening recitals to silent film scores, and orchestral collaborations, the organ will demonstrate its full range; subtle, playful, dramatic, and full-voiced. Expect a full line up of renowned organists who will bring their own styles to every performance.
If you are curious
See how the organ works, hear sounds you may never have noticed, and get hands-on with music. Family workshops and interactive activities let visitors of all ages explore the pipes, try out sounds, and engage with this incredible instrument in a playful, inspiring way.
If you helped make this possible
The Festival celebrates what your generosity has made possible. Every performance reflects the support of donors and grants, bringing the organ fully back to life. Come and hear the difference for yourself, whether in worship, a recital, or a special festival performance.
Stay Connected
The Festival runs throughout the year, with new events, behind-the-scenes moments, and special announcements along the way.
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Follow us on social media for clips, highlights, and a closer look at the organ in action.
Be part of the journey as this remarkable instrument begins its next chapter.
