Wells Cathedral is preparing to say goodbye to its famous Grand Organ this month as the historic instrument is dismantled and sent hundreds of miles away for a major restoration after experts warned it was on the brink of "imminent catastrophic failure".

Despite limping through recent services, the organ will make it through Christmas — but scaffolding is going up in January, marking the start of a two-year, multimillion-pound rescue project to save one of the cathedral's most treasured features.

All 5,000 pipes will be taken out for repair, cleaning or replacement, along with a full rebuild of the console, pedals and stops. The upgrade is also designed to improve the organ's performance at big civic occasions, carol services, celebrations and Evensong.

To give the city a proper send-off, a special farewell concert will take place on Thursday 11 December at 7.30pm. Director of Music Tim Parsons will perform Messiaen's La Nativité du Seigneur — and plans to play the same piece again when the restored organ returns in late 2027.

Specialist firm Harrison & Harrison has been appointed to take on the job, continuing a centuries-long legacy of organ building and rebuilds at Wells.

Managing Director Andrew Scott said: "We are delighted to be entrusted with rebuilding the organ at Wells Cathedral, an instrument with a rich and distinguished history. From Robert Taunton's first organ in 1664, through Samuel Green's rebuild in 1786 and Henry Willis's work in the 19th century, to the Harrison & Harrison instrument of 1910 and 1973, the organ has grown and evolved alongside the cathedral's life. It is a privilege for us to carry that story forward, ensuring the organ remains at the heart of the cathedral and its liturgy for many years to come."

Organists at Wells have been battling the failing instrument for months, forced to hide its faults during services and recitals. So news of the January start date has brought relief.

Tim Parsons said: "I am thrilled that Wells Cathedral will be working with Harrison & Harrison on this major project. The renewed organ will be transformative to the life of the Cathedral and its music. We are greatly looking forward to working with the team from Harrison's as the project comes to life."

The project has already secured almost £2 million thanks to the Friends of Wells Cathedral's Grand Organ Appeal. Chair Michael Hopkins said: "The Grand Organ is at the heart of the outstanding quality of music of Wells Cathedral. The Friends of Wells Cathedral have supported the maintenance of the instrument over many decades, and when approached by the cathedral to raise funds for a full refurbishment, we agreed to take up the challenge.

"We are grateful to all who have contributed to the fundraising to date, approaching £2 million through monies raised and future pledges."

But with the total cost expected to reach £3 million, there is still a £1 million gap. The Very Reverend Toby Wright, Dean of Wells, made a direct appeal for continued support.

He said: "Through the mists of time, music has carried both the beauty of holiness and the joy of human hearts within these walls. The Grand Organ is not merely an instrument, but the living breath of Wells, binding past, present and future together in song.

"So of course, we are excited and relieved to begin this critical project, and we are hugely grateful for the generosity of everyone who has made this start possible.

"However, our work is not finished. We still need to raise a further £1m if we are to complete the refurbishment and save something that is absolutely central to this place and to our community."

The farewell concert on 11 December will be the last chance for residents to hear the Grand Organ before it is dismantled and sent off to Durham for its long-awaited restoration.

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