Offering a life-changing opportunity to children from any background, the Wells Cathedral Chorister Trust (WCCT) proudly announces that its Coronation Fund, launched in 2023, has surpassed its ambitious target. Thanks to the heartfelt support of individual donors and grant-making bodies, over £500,000 has been raised in just two years.

'It is a remarkable sum to have raised in such a short time, reflecting the deep commitment so many people share for the Trust's mission: ensuring that no talented child is prevented by financial barriers from becoming a Wells Cathedral chorister,' says Arnold Wills, Chair of WCCT.

The Trust's Royal Patron, HRH The Duchess of Edinburgh, echoed this sentiment, urging people to "support this very special appeal."

The Dean of Wells Cathedral, Toby Wright, was among the first to offer congratulations: 'It is a great joy that this remarkable target has been so wonderfully surpassed. Most importantly, it ensures that many more young people will be enabled to flourish through the unique musical and spiritual life of Wells Cathedral.'

Thanks to the unprecedented success of the Coronation Fund, WCCT can now support families by covering virtually all the costs of a chorister's education—from more than 95% right up to 100%.

Wells Choristers, aged between seven and fourteen, are pupils at Wells Cathedral School, one of four government-supported specialist music schools in the UK. Founded in 2003, WCCT provides additional bursaries for gifted children. Through the generosity of regular donors, the Trust has enabled the choir to recruit choristers based solely on merit.

Children from all backgrounds have embraced the experiences of being part of the Wells Cathedral community, and the opportunities that come with attending such a prestigious music school.

Despite the various grants and bursaries available, for many families the dream remains out of reach. 'This is where the Coronation Fund comes in, allowing us to go one step further and support a child whose family requires between 95% and 100% school fees bursary,' continues Arnold. 'I am pleased to say that we will be putting the fund into action straightaway.'

Timothy Parsons, Director of Music at Wells Cathedral, shares in the excitement: 'It will offer the life-changing opportunity of becoming a Chorister at Wells Cathedral to children who otherwise would not be able to consider it,' he said. 'Congratulations are due to the Trust on raising this enormous sum in just two years, but most especially to the passion and hard work of its Chair, Arnold Wills.'

There is much to look forward to in the coming months, beginning with the Wells Cathedral Chorister Trust Annual Evensong on Saturday 11 October at 5.15pm. Open to all, this years' service will celebrate the success of the Coronation Fund.

In recognition of the Trust's work, the service will be attended by the High Sheriff of Somerset, Janet Montgomery; the Bishop of Bath and Wells, The Rt Revd Michael Beesley; MP for Wells, Tessa Munt; and The Lord-Lieutenant of Somerset, Mohammed Saddiq, who shared: "I am absolutely delighted with the remarkable achievements of the Wells Cathedral Choristers Trust. The dedication and support it provides truly transforms the lives of the choristers. I couldn't be more pleased with the incredible work the Trust has accomplished."

If you know a child with talent and potential who might benefit from the Coronation Fund, or if you'd like to support the next generation of choristers, visit www.wcct.co.uk to find out how you can help open the door to a potentially life-changing experience.