RESTORATION CELEBRATION FOR 'FATHER' WILLIS PIPE ORGAN

It has taken a decade of fundraising and more than 18 months of restorative work, but now the 'Father' Willis pipe organ at Stony Stratford's St Mary & St Giles Church is back in play.

And it's a stunner - complete with additional pipes and stops and beautiful new solid wood casework.

And now comes the 10-week Restoration Celebration. 

The inaugural choral concert took place at the weekend, but there is more musical cheer waiting for you to engage with this weekend - on Saturday (April 30) the church is hosting its first post-spruce organ concert with Jonathan Kingston (above).

He will bring his wealth of experience to the programme of popular organ showpieces, which will show off both the subtlety and power of the Willis.

An arrangement of Handel's Music for the Royal Fireworks will will be aired, and includes Marches by Mendelssohn and Verdi, together with Baroque works by Bach and Buxtehude.

MPMG Stony Organ Festival

Bringing things into the more recent times, 20th-century pieces by Eric Coates and Herbert Howells will also figure.

A pre-concert screening of the Willis Organ History and Restoration will air at the Parish hall, adjoining the church, at 6.30pm.

Entry for the 25 minute-long film is free, but spaces will be limited, so register in advance.

The concert itself begins at 7.30pm and tickets are £10 for adults, with free entry for accompanied children aged 16 years and under.

> On Sunday (May 1) the church will hold a blessing and re-dedication at 9.30am.