Phil Kelsall brought the Wurlitzer up from its pit on Wednesday 5th March and gave a marvellous performance, the curtain going up to Horace Finch's signature tune 'On the Prom, Prom, Promenade' to reveal the Empress console on centre stage. Phil's choice of music included Marches, Songs from the Shows, light Classics, Dance Medleys and of course, plenty of music associated with the other organ down the road! Tribute was paid to former Blackpool organists Ernest Broadbent and Watson Holmes as well as Reginald Dixon and Horace Finch. Phil also played his own signature tune, 'Thank you for the Music' to take the console down...shortly before bringing it back up again to say his final thanks to all concerned, finally descending into the pit with 'On the Prom, Prom, Promenade'.

Organists in the audience included Mike Slater, Nigel Ogden, Mark Allen and Paul Greenwood as well as quick visits from David Lobban and Chris Hopkins who were playing at the Tower for the Wednesday afternoon dance session.

Work on the organ had commenced in November with Steve Tovey heading the team after hearing an offer had been made for it. It was amazing that the organ was almost 100% playing for this concert given the fact that we only had about 12 working days on it. Special thanks to the management and Staff at the Wintergardens, especially the stage manager and crew. Without their help, enthusiasm and co-operation, the organ would no longer be there.

Cameron Lloyd

Pictures courtesy of Cameron Lloyd