There are more than 4,000 pipes in the organ ranging from the height of a pen to that of a double decker bus.

Each needs to be individually cleaned, repaired where necessary and returned to full working order so that it sounds as exciting as it did originally. The structure supporting this incredible instrument is substantial and this naturally impacts upon the costs involved.

We need to regulate all the stops so that they speak uniformly and predictably and we also need to replace leather that has become worn-out. Both of these requirements are time-consuming and the size of this comprehensive restoration project is such that it naturally impacts upon the cost.

When first constructed, this organ was among the most ambitious in the world. Now, through this restoration, it will maintains its position as one of the most iconic Cathedral organs in the world, staying true to the bold vision of its original creators.

We are hard at work applying to many charitable and for-profit organisations in the hope that they will be willing to help us in our efforts to protect and restore this iconic piece of musical heritage.

We have only created the public Organ Appeal in order to supplement any grant funding that we may receive. Without the support of members of the public, the cost of restoring the organ is unfortunately cost-prohibitive.

There are two main ways to support the Organ Appeal – namely making a donation or sponsoring a pipe.

We would be most grateful if you would be so kind as to help spread the word. This could be as simple as telling friends and family about the Appeal or sharing a social media post for example, as every donation truly helps.

In addition to financial support, we would be most grateful if you would consider sharing the Appeal brochure with anyone who may be willing to support our fundraising efforts.

We have put together a comprehensive collection of benefits for donors and in return for your donation, all supporters will be:

Issued with a special acknowledgement certificate, signed by The Dean of Blackburn, The Director of Music and the Cathedral Organist Emeritus, as a record of your gift and our gratitude.

Included in our Organ Appeal Roll of Honour which will appear on the Cathedral website and also recorded in perpetuity in the Cathedral Archives.

Invited to a prestigious concert following the organ’s refurbishment and listed in the Commemorative Concert Programme.

In addition to the benefits listed above, those donating over £5,000 will also be:

Granted additional guest VIP reserved seating at the concert and recognised separately in the Commemorative Concert Programme.

Invited to a private Donor Appreciation Reception – a special event where donors can meet other supporters in the presence of the Dean of Blackburn, Cathedral Chapter, members of the Music Department team, Cathedral Organists and special guests ahead of the concert.

Offered an exclusive, personal demonstration showcasing the range and power of the newly restored organ, led by Organist in Residence John Hosking.

We are delighted you are considering supporting the Organ Appeal and appreciate that not everyone wants to donate online.

To follow are alternative methods of donation:

Donate by BACS
Please use ‘Organ Appeal’ as the reference and send your payment to:

Account Name: Blackburn Cathedral
Sort Code: 01-00-85
Account No: 04226704

Donate by cheque
Please make cheques payable to ‘Blackburn Cathedral’ and send to:

Blackburn Cathedral Organ Appeal
Cathedral Close, Blackburn, BB1 5AA

For further information or for help donating, please get in touch.

To sponsor a pipe, simply visit sponsor a pipe and choose the pipe that you would like to sponsor.You can either scroll through the listings, filter the result by type of pipe or search if you know the name of the pipe you wish to sponsor.

Once on the page relating to the pipe you will see the details of that pipe and you can add the quantity of pipes you wish sponsor to your basket – just like shopping on any website. You can add as many pipes as you wish to sponsor from those available (the availability is listed on each individual pipe page). You can also sponsor multiple pipes from within the organ and these can simply be added to your basket.

Once you have chosen the pipes you wish to sponsor and have added them to your basket, complete the checkout by providing your details, make your payment either via credit/debit card, BACS or cheque. All the details you need will be displayed on screen.

Once your order is completed, you will receive confirmation of your donation to the email address you provide. We will then contact with you any queries should they arise.

Your donation can be in your name, that of someone else or can remain anonymous if desired. Please just let us know when you make your donation or sponsor a pipe and you can do this in the basket when you checkout.

Should you wish to amend your wishes at a later date please contact us and we will update your details accordingly.

The Blackburn Cathedral website has comprehensive information about the organ including a detailed history, specification documents and links to videos.

In addition there are a number of external resources of information relating to the organ, including:

The National Pipe Organ Register

Wikipedia

Llannerch Organs

To see the organ in action, please visit:

YouTube – Blackburn Cathedral Music

YouTube – Blackburn Cathedral Concerts

Blackburn Cathedral Organ Concert Schedule

Organ Recitals

For further information about the Organ, please contact Blackburn Cathedral Organist in Residence, John Hosking.

Please note: Blackburn Cathedral / OrganAppeal.com cannot be held responsible for the content of, or transactions that take place on, external websites.

For further information about the organ at Blackburn Cathedral, the Organ Appeal or for help donating, please get in touch and we’ll be happy to help.

For further information about the Organ, please contact Blackburn Cathedral Organist in Residence, John Hosking.