Union Chapel Open Day 2025

16 July 2025

Walk within our walls on Saturday 20 September for FREE to discover our Grade I & II* listed buildings, unique organ, 200+ year legacy, and plans for the future - plus organ recital and kids self-guided treasure hunt - making it a free and unique day out for all the family.

Discover what we do in the beautiful Victorian Gothic chapel, which is home to an inclusive church, an award winning live venue, one of the UK's finest organs, and The Margins Project supporting those in crisis in London.

Learn more and book free tickets below for our guided tours, organ recital, and more.

SATURDAY 20 SEPTEMBER, 10am - 2pm

*Free pre booking required for activities*

Or, just turn up between 10am - 2pm to take your time on a self-guided tour of our space and view short films to learn more.

Plus kids can become detectives to discover our building and history on a self-guided tour with an activity sheet! 

Under 16s must be accompanied by an adult.

Guided Tours

Discover our legacy, future, community, and the stage that has hosted Amy Winehouse, Elthon John, Ed Sheeran, Adele, Mavis Staples, Damon Albarn, Olivia Coleman, Nick Cave, and more. Only 30 places available per slot!

"A thorough description of the history and architecture of the building." "All very friendly and informal."

10:00 - 11:00 Guided Tour Book 

11:00 - 12:00 Guided Tour Book 

13:00 - 14:00 Guided Tour Book

Organ Recital

A lunchtime treat from Union Chapel's organ students and their tutor and acclaimed concert organist Jeremiah Stephenson on the world-famous 1877 Willis organ.

"I came for a tour of the chapel - but actually enjoyed the enthusiasm of the organist most."
"The talent and courage of the young performers." "The organ music and the calm atmosphere."

13:00 - 14:00 Book

Stick around after our activities to chat with us in our bar and take in some behind-the-scenes films of Union Chapel's work with refreshments available to purchase.

Tube: Highbury & Islington  |  Train: Highbury & Islington, King's Cross  |  Bus: 4, 19, 30, 43, 271

Additional travel info: We encourage visitors to travel by public transport or bike. Bike racks are available at Highbury Roundabout or on Upper Street nearby.

Founded in 1799 by a group of ‘radical activist’ Nonconformist Christians, Union Chapel’s founding principal was to be a ‘Friend for All’. In 1991 Union Chapel Project charity was formed to preserve the building and open up the space to as many people as possible to enjoy, and to develop the building for cultural and community use. The next year, the space became a stage for live performance, beginning our journey to being one of the most beloved London music venues where you could see international stars, emerging talent, and experience the stunning acoustics fill with the sounds of all genres.

 Love from open days past: 

"The event and the venue worked perfectly together. It was one of the most engaging things I have been"

“So much more than you’d expect from a typical chapel” 

“It really captures the essence of how special the chapel is and the wonderful hugely varied work” 

“It really breathed life into the idea of Union Chapel to the children” 

"Fabulous community event and organisation! Keep it up!" "I enjoyed my visit tremendously"

Got free tickets? Please consider donating to our organ here.

Designed & built for Union Chapel’s size & acoustics in 1877 by master organ builder Henry “Father” Willis. Known to be one of his finest & registered as an instrument of importance by the British Institute of Organ Studies, it is one of few organs left in the UK with a fully working original hydraulic blowing system.

Our highly praised organ programme of education and performance provides opportunities for all ages and disadvantaged communities with a supported path from childhood to professional organ performance and composition of all genres.

Through free workshops, residencies, scholarships, lessons, tours, and our critically acclaimed festival Organ Reframed, our programme is world renowned for its innovative approach.

Please consider donating to support this work and to help maintain our unique & historic organ. Your donation can fund...

• £10 One primary school student place at an organ workshop. 
• £15 A subsidised ticket for an organ recital or concert for someone who would otherwise miss out. 
• £30 One free organ lesson for a local young person with a Royal College of Organists Accredited Teacher. 
• £150 A month of organ maintenance and routine repairs. 
• £250 An educational organ-building workshop for young people. 
• £500 An organ masterclass for student composers.