Folly Farm Wurlitzer Theatre Organ

Folly Farm Wurlitzer Theatre Organ This world famous Wurlitzer Organ originally from the Gaumont Cinema Manchester now entertains visitors to Folly Farm daily

The Wurlitzer Organ is from the Gaumont Cinema Manchester. It is a 4 manual organ (meaning it has 4 keyboards) and 14 ranks (sets) of pipes as well as a multitude of tuned percussions and a Grand Piano. It was opened in October 1935 by Stanley Tudor who remained associated with the organ until 1960. The organ was used daily during the cinema presentations, as well as being one of the most broadca

st organs of the time. Countless recordings were made on the organ while it was in the cinema too, probably because the organ recorded and broadcast very clearly. Many well known organists have played this instrument over the years including Doreen Chadwick and Jackie Brown to name but two. At the final concert in the Gaumont, world famous organist Reginald Dixon played this Wurlitzer, later remarking that it was the closest in sound to his own wurlitzer at the Tower Ballroom Blackpool. The organ was purchased by the Lancastrian Theatre Organ Trust when the cinema closed, but remained in store for many many years before it's next home at the Granada Studios Tour Complex in Machester was found. The organ was removed from Granada Studios in 2000 when filming commitments made the tours impractical, and was put into store. The “Mighty” Wurlitzer was picked up from a store in Radcliffe, near Manchester in October 2008 and parts of it were taken to Ben Snowdon's Cardiff workshop to be restored and re-wired (as all of the wiring was cut on removal from Granada studios), while the massive organ chambers were constructed at Folly Farm. The chambers measuring 50ft wide, 14ft deep and 12ft high had to be specially constructed to take the 10 tonnes of organ parts, and were completed by the middle of January 2009. Since then work has progressed at great speed to re-assemble the organ and to make new “wind” lines to convey the air all around the different parts of the instrument. The 1050 individual pipes were carefully unpacked (repaired where necessary) planted and tuned, and the tuned percussions including a glockenspeil, xylophone, vibraphone, chimes and sleigh bells were also regualted. The organ is now complete, and all that remains before the opening is to finish the intricate painting of the console. The organ was played in public for the first time on Saturday 28th March by Paul Kirner,which received a raptuous applause from the crowd that soon gathered and was said to sound better than it had ever done in either of it's previous 2 homes. Paul Kirner of Compton Lodge in Sapcote, Leicestershire having run a very successful commercial theatre organ venue since 1979 heard that the organ was looking for a new home. Compton Lodge houses one of the countries finest Compton Theatre organs, so Paul was naturally keen to purchase the countries finest Wurlitzer. Paul approached Folly Farm to see if they were interested in providing a new venue for it, and they jumped at the idea of having such a prestigious instrument at their theme park. The Wurlitzer, which has been installed by, and will be maintained by Ben Snowdon, is on long term loan to Folly Farm, where it will be used daily for the enjoyment of many future generations. The grand opening concert is on Saturday 2nd May 2009, starting at 7.00pm. The organist for the evening will be the country's number 1 organist entertainer, John Mann. John will play a varied programme of cheerful music on the Mighty Wurlitzer including some novelty pieces and tunes of yesterday, all interwoven with John's friendly banta. Although it is primarily and organ concert there will also be a few piano solos. This is a significant occasion for the organ world and for Wales too. New theatre organ installations are very rare these days as homes are hard to fine for these large magnificent instruments. This organ was one of the best ever brought to this country and having been in store for 20 out of the last 30 years it is being welcomed with open arms- also this is only Wales' second Wurlitzer and Folly Farm is proud to be able to show it off daily to there many thousands of visitors. It is planned that the organ will be played daily (with the wonders of modern computers, not always needing an organist!) for the enjoyment of Folly Farm's guests.

The Folly Farm Wurlitzer theatre organ celebrates its 90th birthday this October!On Sunday 19th October 2025 at 11am, 1p...
23/09/2025

The Folly Farm Wurlitzer theatre organ celebrates its 90th birthday this October!

On Sunday 19th October 2025 at 11am, 1pm, and 3pm there will be rare opportunities to hear the Wurlitzer played live in concert by the world-renowned John Mann and the ever-popular Cameron Lloyd. By special arrangement with Folly Farm, the sound of the organ will be given extra priority.

Theatre organs were originally heard in cinemas all over the world during the 1920s and 1930s. They accompanied silent films and performed solo interludes - a great enhancement to the whole picture-going experience. Their players were the biggest stars of the era; in the Radio Times top three celebrities of 1938, two of them were cinema organists!

Originally situated in the Gaumont cinema, Manchester, this superb Wurlitzer organ was renowned for its clarity over the airwaves. It was broadcast on the radio to audiences of millions by the star organists of the day. In later years it became part of the Granada Studios Tour complex in the city, entertaining many more hundreds of thousands of visitors. In 2009 Folly Farm became the fortunate recipient of the instrument, and John Mann gave the opening concert. This evocative part of cinema-going history now dovetails wonderfully with the beautifully restored vintage fairground. It is played daily by means of its computer playback system and has been heard by many more thousands of people over the last sixteen years.

A day out suitable for all ages, why not buy a day ticket for the award-winning Folly Farm? The concerts will be included as well as many other attractions such as the zoo. If you buy online in advance, there is a 5% discount off standard day tickets. Make a full day of it! Or even two - Folly Farm offer a free return visit offer valid for use within seven days of your first visit. You must collect your free return visit card from their admissions staff AND have it validated BEFORE leaving the park.

Contact Ben Snowdon on 07974 813445 or email [email protected] for more information.

For advance purchase of tickets: www.folly-farm.co.uk

The Wurlitzer is owned and maintained by Paul Kirner's Theatre Organ Collection (Registered Charity 1176604).

Busy getting the organ ready for this evenings concert with Paul Kirner at the Console. Can you spot Anthony in the pict...
18/06/2016

Busy getting the organ ready for this evenings concert with Paul Kirner at the Console.

Can you spot Anthony in the picture?

28/02/2016

Wales' largest Wurlitzer is now being heard and admired daily at Folly Farm.
The "Tudor Rose" Wurlitzer, which spend it's working life in the Gaumont Cinema in Manchester, is a 4 manual 14 rank instrument and was installed in 1935. This firey organ was made famous by the late great Stanley Tudor, who's rhythmic playing suited this "big" sounding organ.
The organ was liberated from many years of storage by Paul Kirner, of Compton Lodge, who purchased it from the Lancastrian Theatre Organ Trust in October 2008. Paul's life work has been promoting and preserving these magnificant machines and purchased the organ with the view of placing it where the public can appreciate it for many years to come. The organ was installed in the first few months of 2009 by Ben Snowdon at it's new home Folly Farm, and was opened by "His Eminents" John Mann on the 2nd May that year.
Folly Farm, which opened in 1988, is still family owned and run and attracts 400,000 visitors annually, so it is an ideal venue to show off one of the country's finest Wurlitzers. The organ is situated in the Old Time Funfair in an impressive display above the entrance to the 700 seat Follies Theatre, and plays to the public twice a day and for occasional evening concerts.
The park is a great all round venue with something for all ages and all weathers. There are plenty of places to eat there so makes a great value whole day out.

Our next concert date and full details will be publish very soon.

22/02/2016

As promised a short video of the replacement Grand Piano now in place and connected.
The temperature is currently cold so once everything has settled and warmed up a little tuning can take place.

The Arrival of the replacement Grand Piano
07/02/2016

The Arrival of the replacement Grand Piano

On January 12th a small team drove to London to collect the grand piano that has been kindly donated by the C.O.S (Cinem...
07/02/2016

On January 12th a small team drove to London to collect the grand piano that has been kindly donated by the C.O.S (Cinema Organ Society) to the Folly Farm Wurlitzer Organ.

The piano to date has had a varied life. In more recent years it has been keep in secure storage under the watchful eye of the technical team of the C.O.S. Prior to this the piano was connected to the Wurlitzer organ originally from the Trocadero Cinema Elephant and Castle when it was installed at the South Bank Polytechnic London .

With the help of Paul Kirner, Ben Snowdon, Stephen Dutfield, Anthony Meads, Nigel Laflin, Keith Chambers & Baz Miller the piano was carefully moved and loaded for its journey to Folly Farm.

On arrival, the helpful maintenance team were ready with equipment to lift the Piano into position on the Wurlitzer stage ready for connection to the organ this week.

We would like to wish you all a Very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year
25/12/2015

We would like to wish you all a Very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

20/11/2015
20/09/2015
Pictures kindly provided by Simon Gledhill
23/08/2015

Pictures kindly provided by Simon Gledhill

Final rehearsal for Richard Hills in readiness for this evenings concert
06/06/2015

Final rehearsal for Richard Hills in readiness for this evenings concert

Address

Folly Farm Begelly
Kilgetty
SA680XA

Opening Hours

Monday 10am - 5pm
Tuesday 10am - 5pm
Wednesday 10am - 5pm
Thursday 10am - 5pm
Friday 10am - 5pm
Saturday 10am - 5pm
Sunday 10am - 5pm

Telephone

01834812731

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Folly Farm Wurlitzer Theatre Organ posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Share