Locals are being urged to adopt a pipe to help bring Wells Cathedral's Grand Organ back to life, as the fundraising appeal to restore the iconic instrument reaches the halfway mark.

The Friends of Wells Cathedral Grand Organ Appeal has now raised over £1 million in donations and pledges – and is calling on supporters to help raise the second half by sponsoring individual parts of the organ.

With prices starting at just £25, the Adopt a Pipe scheme offers people the chance to support the £2 million restoration project in a lasting and personal way. Pipes can be adopted in your own name, in memory of a loved one, or as a gift.

Dean of Wells Cathedral, Toby Wright, said: "The Cathedral organ is in a rapidly deteriorating state, and it is becoming increasingly urgent that we restore this once magnificent instrument to its full glory.

"Reaching the appeal half-way point is a landmark moment, and we owe our thanks to everyone who has found a way to support the appeal with such generosity."

Chair of the Appeal Committee, David Morgan Hewitt, said reaching £1 million had unlocked the next phase of planning for the organ's complex restoration.

"It is likely that the organ pipes will be removed at the start of 2026 and will be taken away for repair and refurbishment," he said.

"At the same time, work will begin on crafting new sets of pipes for the 32-foot stops and the new trumpets. It is hoped that the organ will be reinstalled by the end of 2027 or early in 2028."

The restoration will mean a couple of years with a temporary instrument in place, but the committee says the end result will be a fully revitalised organ ready to serve the Cathedral for the next 50 years or more.

To adopt a pipe or find out more about how to support the Grand Organ Appeal, visit www.wellsgrandorganappeal.org.uk.