Selby Abbey
When: 8 February 2026
Where: Selby Abbey
Discover Selby Abbey Music & History
Local Gathering Event
Step inside one of North Yorkshire’s most remarkable yet often overlooked historic buildings and experience music at Selby Abbey.
Founded nearly 900 years ago as a Benedictine monastery, Selby Abbey has been a place of worship, music and community for centuries. This special afternoon invites you to explore the Abbey’s story through its architecture, its music, and the people who keep its traditions alive today.
As you move through the Abbey, marvel at inspiring architecture including the extraordinary stained glass Jesse window dating to 1340 and 14th century Washington Windows, learn how it survived a devastating fire in 1906 and the most holy part of the Church the richly carved high altar.
Tickets £25 includes a £5 non-refundable booking fee.
The Role of Music at Selby Abbey
You’ll also hear the Abbey come alive through sound. Join Director of Music, Oliver Waterer for a demonstration of the magnificent Romantic-style Hill Organ, one of the finest instruments of its kind in the UK, learn more about its connection to the celebrated Fernando Germani LP recordings of the 1960s.
At the heart of Selby Abbey’s life is its choir. Throughout the afternoon, you’ll see how music continues to shape worship here, culminating in the opportunity to attend Evensong and hear the choir lead this timeless service.
No prior knowledge of church music or worship is required.
What to Expect
This relaxed and welcoming event allows time to explore, listen and reflect:
3.00pm – Welcome and refreshments
Meet fellow attendees and enjoy light refreshments in the North Transept.
3.30pm – Presentation and Organ Demonstration
An introduction to Selby Abbey music and its remarkable Hill Organ, held in the Nave.
4.30pm – Guided Tour of the Abbey
Discover hidden details, stories and spaces you might otherwise miss.
5.30pm – Observe the Evensong Rehearsal
Gain a rare insight into how the choir prepares for worship and weekly Evensong.
6.30pm – Evensong
Experience the Abbey as it has been experienced for centuries, through music, prayer and stillness.
7.15pm – Event concludes
About Oliver Waterer
Oliver Waterer is Director of Music at Selby Abbey where, since 2021 he has been custodian of the Abbey’s famous ‘Hill’ organ, and responsible for maintaining and developing the Abbey’s choral tradition. Oliver combines this position with a freelance career as an organist and conductor, appearing frequently on BBC Radio and Television, including BBC Songs of Praise. Before moving to Yorkshire, he spent eight years as Organist and Master of the Choristers at St Davids Cathedral in Wales, when he also served as Artistic Director of St Davids Cathedral Festival, and Conductor and Music Director of Côr Dyfed Choir. Prior to this, he was Assistant Director of Music at Chelmsford Cathedral 2009-13, and has held organist-posts at Chapel Royal, Hampstead Parish Church, Peterborough Cathedral, and Guildford Cathedral.
