Stony Stratford, St Mary & St Giles Church, Pipe Organ Festival
St. Marys & St. Giles Church,
Church Street,
Stony Stratford,
Milton Keynes,
Buckinghamshire, MK11 1BD
Stony Stratford, a Jewel of Milton Keynes is the home of a special item of musical heritage, a Father Willis Organ. It is 135 years old and was…
Stony Stratford, a Jewel of Milton Keynes is the home of a special item of musical heritage, a Father Willis Organ. It is 135 years old and was made by Victorian organ builder Henry Willis incorporating many of his technical and musical innovations in how sound is produced. It came to Milton Keynes 50 years ago and has very recently been restored to fulfil the vision of Henry Willis' grandson and is now ready for another 50+ years of music in worship and concerts.
Music for All @ SMSG presents the 5th Organ Festival Weekend with a fabulous programme of music to suit all ages and tastes, including 2 evening concerts: a Silent Movie with live organ (played by Donald Mackenzie) and The Organist Entertains (played by Simon Lindley). The programme includes the following free heritage events:
Friday
Stony Stratford Heritage – exhibition of photos of Stony Stratford, the church and the Willis organ telling the story of music at SMSG in the past, present and future.
Jacob Collins, a young local organist, gives a free lunchtime organ recital from 1230
Saturday
Stony Stratford Heritage – another chance to see the exhibition
An afternoon Teddy Bears Picnic concert with the organ for families, with tea and cake, from 1500
Sunday
Hands on our Willis! A golden opportunity to play (with help) those wow chords
Get to know our Willis: free Talk by renowned organist Jonathan Kingston
A free organ concert by Jonathan at 4:30 pm to round off the weekend
Opening Times
- Friday 7 September: See individual events
- Saturday 8 September: See individual events
- Sunday 9 September: See individual events
Booking Details
No booking required
Access Information
Two steps to entrance of the church, with wheelchair access via the Parish Hall adjoining the church.
Additional information
This festival celebrates the organ’s restoration by FH Browne & Sons Ltd. The organ is available for teaching and learning and SMSG continues to develop a rich legacy of music for all.
For more details about our organ festival for Heritage Open Days and to book tickets for the evening concerts, the Teddy Bears’ Picnic and Get to know our Willis!
To find out more about the organ, its heritage and its setting in the lovely grade 2* listed church of St Mary and St Giles join us for one of our events.
Opening times & full details ►
