17th-25th May 2025
Sheffield’s music scene is legendary - from the Arctic Monkeys and Pulp to The Leadmill and Tramlines Festival. But beyond its indie and rock roots, the city also boasts a remarkable legacy of organ music. This May, that tradition takes centre stage as the South Yorkshire Organ Festival returns, celebrating one of the oldest and most awe-inspiring instruments in the world.
This May, the South Yorkshire Organ Festival returns for its second year, celebrating the instrument widely considered the oldest and most complex in the world. From church lofts to cinema auditoriums, South Yorkshire - especially Sheffield - boasts a wealth of fine organs, many of which will be opened up to the public throughout the four-day event.
The festival is the vision of James Mitchell, Sheffield Cathedral’s Organist. He launched the inaugural festival in 2024 shortly after arriving in the city.
James Mitchell
Sheffield Cathedral Organist
“I’m delighted that the South Yorkshire Organ Festival will be returning for 2025!” James says. “This year, there are opportunities to hear the magnificent organs at Doncaster Minster and both of Sheffield’s cathedrals, as well as a chance to enjoy performances from the young organists of the future from the Royal Northern College of Music. I’m keen that anybody should have the chance to learn about the organ, regardless of age or experience, and I hope I can help inspire people to discover just how amazing these instruments are.”
At its heart, the festival seeks to break down barriers surrounding the instrument. With a programme that includes workshops, masterclasses, and opportunities to play the organ - including one of the largest Compton cinema organs in the UK - this event welcomes everyone from seasoned musicians to complete beginners.
“In short, this festival came about to help promote the organ and organ playing in the local area,” explains James. “It’s often difficult to know where to start if you want to learn the organ, so the goal of the events is to help with this, as well as promoting and supporting local churches. I’m personally most interested in bringing the organ into the 21st century - beyond just traditional classical repertoire - which is why we’ve partnered with local theatre organist Kevin Grunill for two special events at the Astoria Centre.”
The festival has been endorsed by Sir Andrew Parmley, Chief Executive of the Royal College of Organists, who says:
“There is no finer thing a cathedral musician can do than to introduce people, of all ages, to the organ. The South Yorkshire Organ Festival marks a new chapter in the musical life of Sheffield Cathedral and the City. We at the Royal College of Organists are proud to be associated with Sheffield and the new Festival. Do support it if you can, experience the majesty of the organ and be inspired.”
From grand sacred spaces to the golden age of cinema, this festival invites the public to rediscover a musical tradition that has inspired for centuries and still resonates today.
For full event listings and booking information, visit:
www.sheffieldcathedral.org/whats-on/2025/5/30/south-yorkshire-organ-festival