Restorers pull out all the stops to revitalise 'majestic' Bristol organ

After falling silent eight years ago, one of Britain's largest - and loudest - concert hall instruments is bursting back into life.

- Steven Morris

Standing 14 metres high with more than 5,000 pipes, Bristol's revered Britton organ is making its comeback on Sunday after a painstaking restoration.

"It's an amazing instrument," said Jed Hughes, the organist who has the job of keeping the instrument's many keys, stops and pedals moving before its public return at the Bristol Beacon concert hall.

"All organs have their own personalities. I'd describe this one as majestic and proud. It is confident that it can say exactly what it wants and needs to say. The volume is amazing without deafening you. They've brightened up the sound a bit and it fits the space perfectly."

The instrument was built in 1956 by the organ-maker Harrison & Harrison after two of its predecessors were destroyed by fire in 1898 and 1945.

Created for civic rather than religious purposes, it was played at what was then Colston Hall for more than 60 years, becoming a centrepiece of Bristol's musical heritage.