LEGENDARY organist John Mann has played what will probably be his last show at one of the venue which made his name.

John Mann, who lives in Saltdean, received a rapturous ovation from the crowd at Eastbourne’s Winter Garden at the show last weekend.

His first show at the venue was in 1981.

The same year of the first London Marathon, Charles and Diana wedding and Cats opening in the West End.

Mr Mann has became a much loved regular at the Winter Garden but his show on Sunday is thought to be his last with the venue closing for extensive renovations.

He said: “I must be one of the longest performers to have appeared at the Winter Garden consecutively for 36 years.

“It has been wonderful to play there, it really has.”

“I am a Brightonian and have played all over the world and was lucky enough to have played many long seasons at Eastbourne.

“It is a great place to play.”

After his final performance theatre bosses presented Mr Mann with a certificate of thanks and flowers to say thanks for his performances over the last 36 years.

The Grade II listed theatre is closing as part of the Devonshire Park Development.

But Mr Mann is not retiring just yet. He is still an active performer and has several more dates throughout the country for the remainder of the year and in 2018.

Speaking about his final appearance at Eastbourne, Mr Mann said: “The performance on Sunday was amazing, I was really pleased with the audience reaction and proved

“I could still hold my own on stage.

“I have been so lucky to have a place in the history of music making in Eastbourne and to have an Appreciation Society that will keep my legacy going.

“I have always enjoyed playing in Eastbourne.”

Mr Mann has a career spanning 60 years and enjoys playing to sold out crowds whenever he appears in Sussex.

Reflecting on his tenure in Eastbourne, Mr Mann said: “When I started in the summer of 1981 business was brisk and I could fill all seats every Thursday night.”

His advice to anyone else thinking of entering the world of entertainment is to always keep a second string to your fiddle.

He said: “I am not sure where the business is heading for, just be yourself and believe in what you do is the soundest advice.”

Mr Mann has a number of upcoming dates including in Scarborough, Uckfield, Rye, Bournemouth and St Albans.

For more details and for a full list of dates visit johnmann.eu.