Chichester Cathedral is inviting people of all ages to discover the sound, scale and spectacle of its historic organ at a brand-new fundraising event this September.
Taking place on Saturday 5 September 2026, Organ Spectacular is an informal evening concert raising funds for Chichester Cathedral and its music. Audiences will enjoy popular favourites, film music and orchestral transcriptions in a relaxed and welcoming setting while exploring the Cathedral after normal visiting hours.
Running from 7.00pm - 9.00pm, the event offers a rare opportunity to experience Chichester Cathedral in a different light, with live performances from Cathedral Organists Charles Harrison and Tim Ravalde filling the building throughout the evening. Guests are welcome to sit and listen, wander through the Cathedral, or enjoy refreshments from the bar as they explore.
The programme features well-known music arranged for the organ, including film favourites, orchestral classics and other crowd-pleasing works. A live video feed projected onto a big screen will give visitors a unique view of the organists at work, revealing the skill, coordination and artistry involved in playing one of the Cathedral's most remarkable instruments.
Each piece will be introduced by Canon Treasurer, the Rev’d Vanessa Baron, who will compère the evening, helping audiences discover more about the music and the instrument behind it. Canon Vanessa said: "As custodian of the Cathedral's treasures, I know that some of our greatest treasures are not only the objects, but the music that fills this sacred space and brings people together. Our organ is one of the Cathedral's most significant and much-loved instruments, and our Organ Spectacular offers a wonderful opportunity to experience its full range and power in a relaxed and welcoming setting.
By joining us, visitors will not only enjoy a memorable evening of music, they will also be helping to raise vital funds for Chichester Cathedral and its music programme. Every ticket sold supports the life of the Cathedral and helps ensure that this rich musical tradition can continue to inspire future generations."
Organ Spectacular has been designed to appeal to seasoned music lovers and first-time visitors alike. With its informal atmosphere, familiar repertoire and opportunity to explore the Cathedral at leisure, it offers a fresh and accessible way to experience one of Sussex's most iconic buildings as a place of worship, welcome and wonder.
Event details:
- Date: Saturday 5 September 2026
- Time: 7.00pm - 9.00pm (music from 7.15pm)
- Venue: Chichester Cathedral
- Tickets: Adult £12.50, Student £10.00, Under 18 £5.00