Some of the 1730 pipes within the Beeston Methodist Church organ
A Beeston church will be filled with the sound of music for 24 hours during a spectacular summer fundraising event.
The sponsored music-a-thon at Beeston Methodist Church on Chilwell Road starts at 10.30am on Saturday, August 20, and ends at the beginning of the morning service on Sunday, August 21.
Organiser Fiona Fyfe said “The event is a unique challenge. The church will be open for people to come and listen to a wide range of instrumental music and singing from Saturday morning until Saturday evening. But after we close the church doors, the music will continue throughout the night.”
“Our church choir, organists and band members will be taking part, and we are also welcoming soloists and groups of musicians. We hope to raise money through sponsorship and audience donations, and are also seeking corporate sponsors.”
The music-a-thon will generate funds towards the restoration and modernisation of the church’s 120-year-old pipe organ. The impressive three manual organ was dedicated on December 4, 1902. It has been played ever since, but hasn’t been overhauled since the 1970s.
Fiona explained “Ideally we would like to restore the pipes, install new bellows and have a new electronic console at ground level. This will enable us to keep and enhance its amazing sound, whilst making it easier to play”.
Beeston Methodist Church, formed in 2014 when the congregations of four local Methodist churches combined, has announced plans for a £1.6m church modernisation scheme to enable it to respond better to community needs in the 21st century. The building has outstanding acoustics and is regularly used for rehearsals and concerts by church and community groups.
Anyone wishing to take part in or donate to the music-a-thon should contact Fiona Fyfe c/o Beeston Methodist Church office on 0115 9431164 or [email protected]