The streets and halls of Wells are set to come alive with music next month as the Sound of Wells Festival returns for 2025.

Running from Wednesday 14 May to Sunday 18 May, the festival promises a packed programme of events, showcasing the talent of Wells Cathedral musicians, pupils from Wells Cathedral School and guest performers.

This year's festival will centre around daily worship at the Cathedral, including Evensong, Compline and the Eucharist, featuring the Cathedral Choristers, Vicars Choral, Song Squad, Youth Choir and Chamber Choir.

One of the biggest highlights will be the world premiere of Viri Galilaei, a new choral work by Wells Cathedral School alumnus Owain Park, who has been announced as the new President of the Cathedral Commissions scheme. Park will also lead a composition masterclass on Sunday 18 May.

The festival will also shine a spotlight on the Friends of Wells Cathedral's Grand Organ Appeal, with a series of special events celebrating the historic instrument before it undergoes essential restoration. These include Windows: Music for Organ and Brass on Wednesday 14 May and a hands-on organ workshop with the WOOFYT model on Thursday 15 May.

Other highlights include concerts of new music by student composers, performances by the School's young musicians, and a solo recital by Cathedral Alto Choral Scholar Phoebe Wakefield on Saturday 17 May.

The festival's centrepiece will be Songs of Farewell on Saturday night, featuring music by Parry, Stanford, Finzi, Harris and Holst, performed by Wells Cathedral Choir under the direction of Timothy Parsons.

Younger audiences are also being welcomed with a sea-themed concert led by the Cathedral's Junior Choristers on Friday 16 May.

The festival will close with a special service of Choral Evensong on Sunday 18 May, marking the 400th anniversary of composer Orlando Gibbons, with music performed alongside a string consort from Wells Cathedral School.

Festival Director Timothy Parsons said he hoped people would join them for a celebration of the city's rich and varied musical life.

For full details and ticket information, visit the Wells Cathedral website or Eventbrite.