Music Palace to host special anniversary concert as iconic entertainer returns to the Valleys
ONE of the world’s most celebrated theatre organ performers, John Mann, will return to South Wales this St David’s Day for a special concert at Paul Kirner’s Music Palace in Porth.
The performance, taking place on Sunday, March 1, 2026, at 2.30pm, will see the “living legend” bring his unique blend of music, humour and showmanship to the intimate Ynyshir venue as he celebrates an extraordinary 70 years in show business.
Organisers say the concert will be one of only a small number of public appearances Mann is making this year, making the Porth event a rare opportunity for audiences to see one of the theatre organ world’s most respected performers live.
Ben Snowdon, speaking on behalf of Paul Kirner’s Theatre Organ Collection, said the return of John Mann was a special moment for the venue.
“John Mann is quite simply one of the great all-round entertainers of the theatre organ world. He has an incredible connection with audiences, and his musicianship, warmth and sense of fun make every performance a real occasion.
Having him back with us in our tenth anniversary year is incredibly special, and we’re delighted to be welcoming him home to the Music Palace.”
Known as a complete musical entertainer, Mann is equally at home on theatre organ and piano, and is renowned for his light-hearted humour and engaging stage presence. His international career has taken him to venues across the world, and he has been a familiar and popular performer at the Music Palace since it opened in 2016 — including starring in one of its very first concerts.
As the venue celebrates its tenth anniversary year, organisers say there could be no better artist to launch the new season of events.
A hidden gem in the valleys
Paul Kirner’s Music Palace has become one of the Valleys’ most distinctive cultural venues. Located in Ynyshir, Porth, the former Saran Chapel, built in 1884, was purchased by professional theatre organist Paul Kirner in 2012 and has since undergone a careful and sympathetic restoration.
The building has been transformed into a unique concert hall and bar, featuring original fittings salvaged from 1930s cinemas, creating an authentic and atmospheric home for theatre organ music.
Now the centre of a major revival of the theatre organ tradition in South Wales, the venue hosts regular concerts and special events throughout the year.
Among its prized instruments are the 1934 Christie theatre organ, originally from the Regal in Edmonton, and the Compton organ from the Dominion Theatre in Tottenham Court Road. Both instruments, which later spent time in Wales after leaving London, have now found permanent homes in Porth.
Organisers say audiences can expect a “terrific afternoon of theatre organ music” in a warm and welcoming setting.
event details
The concert begins at 2.30pm on Sunday, March 1, 2026, with doors opening at 1.45pm.
Tickets are £12, with advance booking strongly recommended. A licensed bar will be available, with tea and coffee also on sale.
