The iconic Wurlitzer organ at Folly Farm marks its 90th birthday with live performances by renowned artists this October.

On Sunday, October 19 at 11am, 1pm, and 3pm there will be rare opportunities to hear the Wurlitzer played live in concert by the world-renowned John Mann and the ever-popular Cameron Lloyd.

Originally situated in the Gaumont cinema, Manchester, this superb Wurlitzer organ was renowned for its clarity over the airwaves. It was broadcast on the radio to audiences of millions by the star organists of the day. In later years, the Wurlitzer entertained many more hundreds of thousands of visitors as part of the Granada Studios Tour complex.

Theatre organs were originally heard in cinemas all over the world during the 1920s and 1930s. They accompanied silent films and performed solo interludes - a great enhancement to the whole picture-going experience. Their players were the biggest stars of the era; in the Radio Times top three celebrities of 1938, two of them were cinema organists!

In 2009 Folly Farm became the fortunate recipient of the instrument, and John Mann gave the opening concert. This evocative part of cinema-going history now dovetails wonderfully with the beautifully restored vintage fairground. The Wurlitzer is owned and maintained by Paul Kirner’s Theatre Organ Collection (Registered Charity 1176604). Now played daily using a computer playback system, it has been heard by many more thousands of people over the past 16 years.

The three 40-minute concerts are included in a day ticket alongside the zoo’s other attractions.

If you buy online in advance via www.folly-farm.co.uk, there is a 5 per cent discount off standard day tickets. Folly Farm also offers a free return visit within seven days provided a free return visit card is collected from the admissions staff and validated before leaving the park.