Wurlitzer Open Day at the Villa Marina Arcade

The Isle of Man Arts Council, in partnership with the Friends of the Wurlitzer, will hold an open day for the Mighty Wurlitzer in the Villa Marina Arcade on Tuesday 21st May 2024.

8 half hour slots will be available to pre-book, allowing musicians the rare opportunity to play the 10 tonne instrument, which is a sister to the famous Mighty Wurlitzer originally installed in the Tower Ballroom in Blackpool. 

With 754 individually tuned pipes and a wide range of percussions, the Villa Marina Arcade Wurlitzer was built in 1929 and was purchased by the Isle of Man Government in 1989, where it became popular entertainment for tourists at Summerland until its closure in 2004.  It was then re-installed in the Villa Marina Arcade.

During the summer months, the Friends of the Wurlitzer organise popular free lunchtime concerts as part of the Isle of Man Arts Council “Arts in the Arcade” summer concert series, with guest organists, both local and from further afield.  It is hoped that the Open Day will allow local musicians and organ scholars the opportunity to play the instrument for the first time and to register their interest in performing during future summer concerts.

Chair of the Friends of the Wurlitzer, Keith Simpson commented “We are delighted that the Isle of Man Arts Council has arranged this open day for anyone who is interested in seeing and hearing the magnificent Wurlitzer organ, and on behalf of the Friends of the IOM Wurlitzer we extend a special welcome to anyone with keyboards skills who would like to come along and try their hand at playing this superb and unique instrument.”

Chair of the Isle of Man Arts Council, Sarah Maltby MHK said “This is an exciting opportunity for our musical community to play this wonderful and unique instrument situated in the heart of the Cultural Area.  The aim of inspiring people of all ages and backgrounds to enjoy culture and arts is a key ambition within the National Development Strategy for Culture and the Arts, and we hope the Wurlitzer Open Day will spark a new generation of Wurlitzer players and fans.”

To book a slot, please contact Zoe Shuttleworth, Arts Administrator via email:Zoe.Shuttleworth@gov.im or by calling 01624 694596. Participants should have keyboard experience and should bring their own music.