Truro Cathedral is holding its first ever Organ Discovery Day today (Saturday) giving visitors the chance to learn about its world famous “Father Willis” organ and even to have a go on it themselves.

Anyone who ever wondered how the cathedral organ works or wanted to blast out a few notes should go along to one of the two sessions on offer.

The first, aimed at under-19s, is from 11am until 12.30pm, with the second from 2pm until 3.30pm for adults. Both sessions are free.

Luke Bond, the cathedral’s assistant director of music, is organising the event as a joint venture between the cathedral and the Royal School of Church Music.

He said: “People of all ages and abilities will be welcome – those who are serious organists, those who perhaps play the piano a little and those who have no keyboard skills at all.

“Our organ is recognised as one of the finest in the UK, attracting people from all over the world who come to Truro to hear it live. I hope that this unique chance to discover more about it will be just as fascinating for non-musicians as for accomplished organists.”

The organ console, with its four keyboards, is normally hidden from sight but today it will be shown live on the cathedral’s big screen as various pipes are demonstrated and explained.

There will be a short talk on the inner workings of the organ with the help of behind-the-scenes film footage that has been made especially for the discovery day.

The day will be rounded off with a concert of popular music given by the cathedral’s organists on the building’s three organs.

The light-hearted programme will include organ duet arrangements of the Stars and Stripes March as well as theme music from Thunderbirds. The cathedral organists will be joined by several local organ students.

There is a charge, for the evening concert only, of £5 for adults with under-19s free.