Norwich Cathedral’s historic pipe organ is at the heart of the Cathedral’s musical life and this summer a special festival will be taking place to celebrate the magnificent instrument.
The Norwich Cathedral Summer Organ Festival kicks off with a five-day programme of events from 8 to 12 July followed by a series of evening concerts throughout summer 2026.
There is something for everyone to enjoy, ranging from A Night at the Movies with Odeon Leicester Square organist Donald MacKenzie, to a concert by Notre-Dame Cathedral’s titular organist Vincent Dubois, and a free Battle of the Organs musical extravaganza with Norwich Cathedral’s three organists, Ashley Grote, Graham Thorpe and Christopher Too.
The BBC Singers will be making a welcome return to Norwich Cathedral for a special performance recorded for broadcast on BBC Radio 3, and Norwich Cathedral Choir and Norwich Baroque will perform works by Handel and Bach in a concert entitled Baroque Masterpieces.
Ashley Grote, the Cathedral’s Master of Music, said: “Following the success of the Organ Reborn! festival in 2024, which celebrated the complete rebuilding of the Cathedral organ, we wanted to offer a similar celebration this summer.
“This year’s organ festival offers audiences the opportunity to hear the magnificent instrument in a variety of contexts.
“The festival will bring some of the world’s finest organists to Norwich, and with a silent movie, our Battle of the Organs, as well as concerts and recitals, there is something for everyone, with free tickets for under 18s.”
As always, all are welcome to attend daily worship at the Cathedral, and on the opening day of the festival, BBC Radio 3 will be broadcasting Choral Evensong live from Norwich Cathedral.
The Dean of Norwich, the Very Revd Dr Andrew Braddock, said: “This will be a brilliant festival showcasing the diversity of music the organ can offer with something for all ages.”
After the initial five days of musical celebration have drawn to a close, audiences can continue to enjoy a summer series of recitals on various Wednesday evenings throughout July, August and September.
Full details of the festival, including ticket prices and how to book, are available at cathedral.org.uk/organ-festival