‘Not Just a Pipe Dream’ Organ Appeal
The Cathedral organ plays a fundamental role in the daily rhythm of this sacred space. We need your support to secure its future.
Find out moreMarch & April 2026 – Before planning your visit, please check our ‘Visitor Notices’ page for any occasional changes to opening hours or temporary accessibility updates. Click here to view
DONATE
NEWCASTLE CATHEDRAL
NEWCASTLE CATHEDRAL
A BEACON OF LIGHT
Our organ
The Cathedral organ supports daily choral worship and major services, and takes centre stage in our year-round Monday Lunchtime Organ Recital Series.
Join us every Monday at 1:05pm for a free recital in the Nave – no booking required. Simply take a seat and enjoy. Donations to the retiring collection, in person or online, are warmly appreciated.
Important: If you’ve visited this page previously, please refresh your browser to ensure you’re viewing the latest programme. Click the website address bar and press ‘Enter’ or click here to view the latest version.
Upcoming recitals
March 2026
| Monday 2 March, 1:05pm | Ian Roberts, Newcastle Cathedral |
| Monday 9 March, 1:05pm | Kris Thomsett, Newcastle Cathedral |
| Monday 16 March, 1:05pm | Laurence Caldecote, All Saints, Northampton |
| Monday 23 March, 1:05pm | Linden Innes- Hopkins, St Michaels, Alnwick |
| Monday 30 March, 1:05pm | Friedhelme Flamme, Germany |
April 2026
| Monday 6 April, 1:05pm | James Watson, Newcastle Cathedral |
| Monday 13 April, 1:05pm | Tim Hone, Organist Emeritus |
| Monday 20 April, 1:05pm | Ian Roberts, Newcastle Cathedral |
| Monday 27 April, 1:05pm | Sean Maxwell, Austria |
This page is updated by the first recital of the month; please check back soon for April’s music programme and May’s guest organists.
The History of the Organ
The organ at Newcastle Cathedral is exciting and colourful. Its magnificent case in the North Transept catches the eye of all who visit and serves as a striking reminder of how essential music is to the daily rhythm of this sacred space.
Today, the instrument essentially comprises two distinct entities: the Main Organ (Great, Swell, Chaire, Bombarde, and Pedal) in the North Transept and the Quire Organ (Great, Swell, and Pedal). The primary console is located in the north Quire arcade.
The central case of the organ dates back to the Renatus Harris organ of 1676, played by renowned composer Charles Avison during his 34 years as Newcastle’s organist. The attainment of cathedral status in 1882 was celebrated by the installation of what was an effectively new organ, completed by Lewis & Co in 1891. Major renovation projects in 1911 (Harrison & Harrison), 1954 (Harrison & Harrison), and 1981 (Nicholson & Co) represent the changing tastes and practical needs of choirs and congregations, as well as the level of work needed to maintain such an instrument.
Today’s organ has over 5,600 pipes and 94 speaking stops, making it one of the largest in the North of England.
Above: The Choir Organ and a painting of Charles Avison, renowned composer and Cathedral organist.