Looking for something truly different to do in this St David’s Day? Paul Kirner’s Music Palace is delighted to welcome audiences to its unique and friendly venue on Sunday 1st March 2026 at 2.30pm, when we proudly present a concert by the living legend John Mann.
We are thrilled that John has agreed to return to the Music Palace in Porth for one of his select public appearances this year, particularly as he celebrates an extraordinary seventy years in show business.
Ben Snowdon, on behalf of Paul Kirner’s Theatre Organ Collection, said: “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.”
John Mann is the complete musical entertainer, who is equally at home on theatre organ and piano, and well known for putting on an entertaining show incorporating his own brand of light humour. His international career has taken him to venues across the world, and he has been a popular and regular artist at the Music Palace since its opening in 2016, even appearing as one of the two stars of the venue’s very first concert. As the Music Palace celebrates its tenth anniversary year, there could be no better artist to launch the new season of events.
Paul Kirner’s Music Palace is a true hidden gem in the Ynyshir, Porth, where a former Welsh chapel has been transformed into one of the most distinctive music venues in the Valleys. Saran Chapel, originally built in 1884, was purchased by professional theatre organist and musical entertainer Paul Kirner in 2012 and has since undergone an extensive and sympathetic restoration.
The building has been reborn as The Music Palace — a unique concert venue and bar, complete with original fittings and fixtures salvaged from 1930s cinemas, creating an authentic and atmospheric home for theatre organ music. Now the scene of a major revival of the theatre organ, the venue hosts regular concerts and special events throughout the year.
The Music Palace has a vast collection of instruments, but of particular note are the magnificent 1934 Christie theatre organ, originally from the Regal, Edmonton, and the Compton organ from the Dominion, Tottenham Court Road. Although both instruments began life in London and were later installed elsewhere in Wales, they have now found their way to Porth. Now singing out beautifully, it feels as though they have truly found their forever homes, and audiences can look forward to a terrific afternoon of theatre organ music in this wonderfully converted former chapel, where a warm welcome is assured.
The concert begins at 2.30pm on Sunday 1st March 2026, with doors opening at 1.45pm.
Tickets are £12, and advance booking is strongly recommended to avoid disappointment.
There is a licensed bar, with tea and coffee available for a small charge.
Website: www.pktoc.co.uk
Email: info@pktoc.co.uk
Telephone: Ben Snowdon – 07974 813445
PAUL KIRNER’S THEATRE ORGAN COLLECTION
Registered Charity No. 1176604
South Street, Ynyshir, Porth, CF39 0EG