Reading Town Hall Organ

MEET THE FATHER WILLIS ORGAN
11am & 2pm
45 minute sessions
drop in*

An illustrated talk presented by Reading Town Hall Organ Curator, William McVicker, introducing the Father Willis Organ and learning about its history within The Town Hall and how it works. William’s knowledge of the organ goes beyond the technical to the fascinating, and all attending the talk will be able to see the organ up close.

Suitable for all ages, including children.

*we have limited capacity on the stage for these sessions – overflow seating will be available in the stalls area, but the view of the presentation may be restricted.

ORGAN LESSON FOR BEGINNERS
12.15pm - 1.15pm
Limited Spaces, Booking Essential

Come and learn how to play the Father Willis Organ – for free! Have you ever wondered how you play more than one keyboard AND use your feet all at the same time? No musical experience necessary – a beginners guide to playing the organ.

ORGAN LESSON FOR PIANISTS
3.15pm - 4.15pm
Limited Spaces, Booking Essential

Pianists are invited to come and learn some organ-playing skills on the Father Willis Organ.
For those who already have some piano skills – learn how to use more than one keyboard and to use your feet on the pedal board.

These group sessions are led by Hannah Gill – Co-Chair of the Society of Women Organists (SWO), and accredited teacher for the Royal College of Organists (RCO).

Suitable for adults of all ages and children aged 7+. U18s must be accompanied by an adult.

Timings

Saturday 19 September:

Meet the Father Willis Organ Talk: 1100 & 1400. Organ Lesson for Beginners: 1215 (max. 8 spaces). Organ Lesson for Pianists: 1515pm (max. 8 spaces).

Location & directions

Reading Town Hall, Blagrave Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 1QH

Directions:

The what3words location reference for our main entrance is: ///racing.festivity.pink Public transport We are only a two minute walk from Reading train station (served by mainline and Elizabeth Line services) and all main bus stops. For local bus services including park and ride go to the Reading Buses website. Car If you are coming by car we recommend that you use park and ride to reach the centre of Reading. If you do drive into central Reading from the M4 Junction 10 follow the A329M towards the A4 and town centre. From M4 Junction 11 follow the A33 towards the town centre and from M4 Junction 12 follow the A4 to the town centre. The Town Hall postcode is RG1 1QH. We do not have our own car park but there are three Blue Badge parking spaces at the front of the building and nearby public car parks include Reading Station and Queen’s Road.

Contact on day:

Jules Cook

Telephone number:

+447717000761

Booking information

Pre-booking requirement:

Pre-booking required

Booking conditions:

Book required for Organ Lessons Meet the Organ Talks - drop in, not booking required.

Booking contact name:

Via Reading Arts

Booking telephone number:

+441189606060

Booking website:

https://whatsonreading.com/venues/town-hall/whats-on/reading-town-halls-organ-heritage-open-day-2026

Accessibility details

The organ console is situated on the Concert Hall stage, which is not accessible for Wheelchairs. Those will limited mobility may also find the stairs to the stage difficult. Seating will be available on the Concert Hall auditorium stage, but the view may be restricted. There is lift access from the ground floor entrance to the Concert Hall.

Additional information

Estimated duration:

1 hour(s)

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