Wurlitzer wizard marks 45 years on the pedals

A organist is celebrating four decades behind the keys of a Wurlitzer organ at a popular attraction.

Robert Wolfe, from Norwich, has played the organ for 45 years at Thursford in Fakenham, Norfolk, home to the annual Christmas Spectacular.

"To be here for the 45th year is absolutely fantastic, and I am loving it more than ever," he said.

He is expected to perform at the venue later in the year as part of Thursford's Steam Gala Day.

Mr Wolfe, who was born in Luton, was invited to play at Blackpool Tower at the age of 16, becoming one of the youngest musicians to perform at the iconic ballroom.

"I was very lucky to be in that position at such an early age, and it was a great experience being there for three years," he said.

Wurlitzer organs were used in movie theatres to evoke atmosphere and provide a live soundtrack during the era of silent film.

During a trip to the museum when he was 19 years old, Mr Wolfe asked John Cushing, the chief executive at Thursford at the time, if he could play the original Wurlitzer.

Since that visit in 1981, Mr Wolfe has since returned every year to play two shows a day for visitors.

The theatre closed during the pandemic, which had an impact on Mr Wolfe's confidence.

"In the year we closed with lockdown, I did not think there would be a return, and I did not that I would come back to it," he said.

"I lost a lot of my self-confidence. I thought that is it, my career is over.

"But I did come back, and I am so pleased I did."

The Thursford organ was built about 100 years ago and is one of two of its kind still played regularly in the country.

Mr Wolfe is expected to play three shows during the Thursford's Steam Gala Day on 6 July.

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