International Organ Day returns on Saturday 25 April 2026

International Organ Day returns on Saturday 25 April 2026, inviting organists and audiences around the world to celebrate the organ and its music – and to help inspire the next generation of players and enthusiasts.

Promoted by the Royal College of Organists (RCO), International Organ Day is celebrated annually on the last Saturday of April. The day encourages organists, venues and organisations to share the organ’s rich repertoire and remarkable versatility through performances, demonstrations, open consoles and outreach activity of all kinds.

Building on the success of Play the Organ Year 2025, International Organ Day 2026 aims to keep up the momentum of that landmark initiative. It offers a moment not only to celebrate the organ, but to look outwards – inviting newcomers to listen, explore and discover that the organ is a living, accessible and inspiring instrument.

Sir Andrew Parmley, Chief Executive of the Royal College of Organists, said: “International Organ Day is a reminder that the future of the organ depends on our willingness to share and celebrate it!

“Whether through performance, invitation or conversation, every act of openness helps new audiences discover the power, beauty and relevance of this extraordinary instrument.”

Participation can be as simple or as ambitious as desired. Organists might organise a demonstration, offer an invitation to play, put on an accessible performance, share a recording or photograph online, or post why the organ matters to them.

The RCO is also encouraging organists to make use of First Stop! (www.firststoporgan.com), its dedicated introductory website designed to support beginners and those who want to reach new audiences.

First Stop! includes a wide range of curated learning and engagement resources, including Fingers and Feet: A Journey to the Organ Bench, a beginner tutor book created to help new players get started from scratch.

Organists and organisations are invited to share their International Organ Day activity using #InternationalOrganDay, visiting and tagging the International Organ Day Facebook page, or emailing details, images or links to internationalorganday@rco.org.uk.