It's Not Just a Pipe Dream - Liverpool City Halls

‘It’s Not Just a Pipe Dream’ is a fundraising campaign aimed at restoring the Organ Willis and addressing essential maintenance in St George’s Hall.

In a world increasingly dominated by AI-curated music playlists, digital soundtracks, and streaming platforms, it’s easy to neglect original instruments like St George’s Hall’s Willis Organ. With its impressive 7,737 pipes, it stands as the third largest of its kind in the country, serving as a profound testament to innovation and musical excellence dating back to 1855. However, instruments of this calibre require meticulous attention and care, and the Willis Organ is no exception. Without restoration, Liverpool risks losing a significant part of its historical identity and cultural legacy.

Your support

Thanks to more than £20,000 funding from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, via the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, work has been carried out on the Tuba Mirabilis – often described as the ‘voice’ of the organ, by specialist technicians, David Wells Organ Builders Ltd. Alongside this, the wind chest (which produces the sound) will also be restored, which involves replacing intricate internal leatherwork and action magnets.

Your contributions will directly fund the restoration efforts overseen by St George’s Hall Charitable Trust. Every donation will be allocated to five critical areas requiring attention: the console and control gear, main soundboards and chests, key and stop actions, wind system, and the pipes themselves. By supporting our campaign, you’re preserving a magnificent piece of musical heritage for future generations to enjoy and cherish. Join us in safeguarding this iconic symbol of Liverpool’s musical legacy at St George’s Hall by donating via Just Giving.

We believe in full transparency of all activities involved in the repair and preservation of the Willis Organ and have detailed the costs associated with the project in this downloadable document.

Experience the Willis Organ

Hear this historic instrument sing with renewed glory during an Organ Recital – please click here for dates and times.

The Willis Organ has recently received praise from several well-known figures, including Will.i.Am, and Tom and Danny of McFly.