The Duke of Edinburgh took a backstage tour of Norwich Cathedral’s pipe organ as he attended a festival celebrating its restoration.

Prince Edward had been royal patron of the They Shall Laugh and Sing Music Appeal, which raised the £1.8m needed for the organ’s major overhaul.

The visit – coinciding with an appearance at the Royal Norfolk Show last Thursday- allowed the Duke to witness the results of the campaign before the Organ Reborn Festival commences on Saturday.

During his visit, the Duke interacted with choristers and attended Evensong, where he heard both the newly rebuilt organ and the cathedral choir.

The cathedral’s master of music, Ashley Grote, said: “We are deeply honoured that His Royal Highness continues to take such an interest in the music here at Norwich Cathedral.

“His patronage was a tremendous support to us in achieving the recent rebuilding of the cathedral organ and it is wonderful to be able to welcome him back to the cathedral, to hear the choristers sing and see what a positive impact music is having on their lives.”

The Duke, a long-term backer of musical life at Norwich Cathedral, had last visited in May 2019, for an event connected to the music appeal.

He is patron of The Statham Society, an organisation established to further musical endeavours at the cathedral.

The Dean of Norwich, the Very Revd Dr Andrew Braddock, said: “The Duke of Edinburgh’s continued support and lively interest in music at Norwich Cathedral as patron of the Statham Society is a huge encouragement to us.

We are delighted he has been able to hear the rebuilt organ for himself.”

The Organ Reborn Festival, taking place from July 6 to July 14, will mark the first anniversary of the organ following the rebuild project.

It promises performances from three cathedral choirs, the BBC Singers, Britten Sinfonia and more.

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