Special Wurlitzer concert with Blackpool Tower Ballroom organist tonight

Phil Kelsall visiting the Island for concert in Villa Marina Arcade

Music fans from across the Island will get a chance to hear the principal organist from the Blackpool Tower Ballroom perform at a special concert in Douglas this evening (27 June).

Phil Kelsall will be playing the Wurlitzer organ in the Villa Marina Arcade from 7:30pm.

The instrument was built in Tonawanda, USA, and signed out of the factory on 25 November 1929.

It was originally destined for the Marlborough Cinema in London however, on arrival in the UK, it was thought that it was too small.

It was then acquired by the Isle of Man Government in 1989 and had a long career at Summerland until its closure in 2004.

Now it lives in the Villa Marina Arcade after being fully restored by renowned organist Len Rawle.

Ahead of tonight's concert Siobhán Fletcher caught up with Chairman of the Friends of the Isle of Man Wurlitzer group Keith Simpson:

You can find tickets for tonight's concert HERE - they are £12 and are also available at the VillaGaiety Box Office or in the Welcome Centre at the Sea Terminal.

This evening's performance marks the first in a series of concerts being held by the Friends of the Isle of Man Wurlitzer.

Their summer season of Lunch Time Wurlitzer Concerts, which are free to attend, are listed below:

• Peter Litman - Wednesday 3 July
• Sarah Goldsmith - Wednesday 10 July
• David Lowe - Wednesday 17 July
• Richard Cole - Wednesday 24 July
• Chris Mannion - Wednesday 31 July
• David Redfern - Wednesday 7 August
• Gareth Moore & Mandy Griffin - Wednesday 14 August
• Stephen Austin - Wednesday 21 August
• Keith Simpson - Wednesday 28 August