Step back in time to the halcyon days of the Cinema Organ with the summer events hosted at Barnsley’s Astoria Centre.
The Astoria Centre is run by the Penistone Cinema Organ Trust; a group of volunteers who have worked on the restoration and maintenance of these musical marvels. The Astoria Centre has a collection of several Cinema Pipe Organs, including one of the UK’s largest, the Astoria Compton, which was originally from the Astoria Cinema in Purely, London.
To find out more about the Astoria Centre’s history, see our previous story here
With Covid restrictions easing, the team have now launched a calendar of summer events with composers and musicians from around the country. Hot and cold food is available to purchase before all events and during the interval.
Summer Ball
Saturday 31st July 7.30pm £10pp
Dancing to the Compton Cinema Organ.
Yorkshire Day Concert
Sunday 1st August 2.30pm £10pp
A celebration of Yorkshire music penned by Yorkshire composers and connected to Yorkshire, featuring Kevin Grunill at Yorkshire’s largest theatre pipe organ.
Michael Wooldridge in concert
Saturday 14th August 2.30pm £10pp
Michael has been performing at many of the UK’s top theatre organ venues for over 40 years. He is the resident organist at the East Sussex National, home of Europe’s largest theatre organ.
Blackpool comes to Barnsley
Saturday 11th September 2.30pm £10pp
Phil Kelsall MBE, principal organist at the Tower Ballroom, Blackpool, presents a selection of toe tapping music.
Ballroom and sequence dancing
Sunday 12th September 2.30pm £10pp
Phil Kelsall from the Tower Ballroom.
Open Days
Saturday 18th and Sunday 19th September 1pm-5pm FREE ADMISSION.
In support of National Heritage Open Days, a rare chance to see behind the scenes and learn more about how the theatre organ works.
Afternoon Tea Dances
Every Wednesday 1pm-4pm £6pp
An afternoon of ballroom and sequence dancing to the sound of the Compton organ in the hands of Kevin Grunill or guest organist.
Music and Memories
Every Thursday 1pm-2.30pm £5pp
Experience the sound of the cinema from days gone by with a variety of music through the decades.
Where:
The Astoria Centre, The National Theatre Organ Heritage Centre
Unit 16a, Metro Trading Centre, Barugh Green, Barnsley S75 1JT (close to M1 junctions 37 and 38). Free onsite parking, or easily accessible from Barnsley Interchange (services 93 and 95).
Disabled access and level floor
To book tickets, contact the team on 07944 566972 or email info@astoriacentre.co.uk
