‘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 moreJanuary & February 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
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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.
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Upcoming recitals
January 2026
| Monday 5 January, 1:05pm | Michael Haynes, Hexham Abbey |
| Monday 12 January, 1:05pm | Ian Roberts, Newcastle Cathedral |
| Monday 19 January, 1:05pm | Kris Thomsett, Newcastle Cathedral |
| Monday 26 January, 1:05pm | David Hardie, Birmingham Cathedral |
February 2026
| Monday 2 February, 1:05pm | Tim Hone, Organist Emeritus |
| Monday 9 February, 1:05pm | Ian Hare, Cumbria |
| Monday 16 February, 1:05pm | Emma Gibbins, Chelmsford Cathedral |
| Monday 23 February, 1:05pm | James Watson, Newcastle Cathedral |
This page is updated by the first recital of the month; please check back soon for February’s music programme and March’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.