It is one of Reading’s famous landmarks … and now you can have a go at playing it. The Father Willis Organ is one of the first attractions announced for this year’s Heritage Open Day events.
Situated in Reading Town Hall in Blagrave Street, the imposing instrument has formed the backdrop of many a celebratory event. Its sound is renowned, and it is regularly in use for concerts, many of which are organised by the Berkshire Organists Association.
For this year’s Heritage Open Days, Reading Borough Council is pulling out all the stops to make a memorable day for all music fans. The free event, taking place on Saturday, 19 September, offers members of the public a rare chance to get up close to the historic Father Willis Organ through guided talks and practical workshops.
People will be able to drop in between 11am and 4.15pm on the day to soak up the atmosphere, ask questions, or just enjoy the Victorian craftsmanship.
There are also two illustrated talks, in which
The open day runs from 11am to 4.15pm and features a series of specialised sessions tailored for both complete beginners and experienced musicians. Reading Town Hall Organ Curator William McVicker, who will share the history of the instrument and explain the inner mechanics of how it functions. Attendees will be invited onto the stage to view the organ at close range.
The talks are free and operate on a drop-in basis for all ages, though stage capacity is limited and overflow seating will be arranged in the stalls. They take place at 11am and 2pm and will last around 45-minutes.
For those looking to try the instrument themselves, a series of free group lessons will be led by Hannah Gill, who serves as the co-chair of the Society of Women Organists and is an accredited teacher for the Royal College of Organists.
A beginners session running from 12.15pm to 1.15pm will introduce the fundamentals of playing across multiple keyboards while utilising the foot pedals. This, organisers promise, requires no prior musical experience.
A second session from 3.15pm to 4.15pm is tailored specifically for pianists looking to adapt their keyboard skills to the organ. The lessons are open to adults and children aged seven and above.
Spaces for the workshops are strictly limited, and booking is essential.
All participants under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
When is Reading Town Hall’s Organ Heritage Open Day taking place, and how can I get tickets?
The Organ Heritage Open Day takes place on Saturday 19 September 2026, with activities running between 11am and 4.15pm. The talks are at 11am and 2pm, and the individual taster lessons run from 12.15pm to 1.15pm for beginners, and from 3.15pm to 4.15pm for pianists.
The event will be held at Reading Town Hall, Blagrave Street, Reading, RG1 1QH.
Entry to the heritage talks is free on a drop-in basis. The practical organ lessons are also free but require advance booking due to limited availability. Places can be reserved online through whatsonreading.com. The same link gives more information about the day.
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