A Whalley church will be open to visitors across the region as part of the heritage open days initiative.

St Mary and All Saints Parish Church will be hosting 30-minute recitals every hour on the hour from 11am on Saturday 14 September.

There will be an opportunity to view the organ consul and meet the organist.

The organ was built in 1727 and it is still in its original casing. The gallery was built to house it when it was moved to Whalley from Lancaster Priory in 1813. 

In 1928 it was converted to electric blowing apparatus and, in 2025, after nearly 100 years of use, the leaking bellows will be replaced.

St Mary and All Saints Church is a Grade 1 listed building and features Saxon crosses, stone coffins and the priests’ door with its replica knocker.

Heritage Open Days are England’s largest festival of history and culture; every year, thousands of volunteers and supporters organise events that allow visitors to discover hidden places and try out new experiences. 

Heritage Open Days Marketing and Projects Manager, Liam Montgomery said: “The scale and diversity of Heritage Open Days is just incredible, every year thousands of passionate people help visitors to make doorstep discoveries and connect with history and heritage in every part of England. 

"This year though, it will be extra special as we celebrate three decades worth of stories and all the brilliant people and places that have made it, and continue to make it, all possible.”

Heritage Open Days event are free, including access to many sites that usually charge for admission. 

Heritage Open Days is presented by the National Trust with supported from players of People’s Postcode Lottery. 

For details and opening times, visit www.heritageopendays.org.uk