Organists at Wells Cathedral say they "can't wait to have it back" after the building's Grand Organ was dismantled and taken away for a major restoration project.

Nearly 4,000 pipes — along with wind reservoirs, electrical systems and the console — have been carefully removed from the cathedral and packed into 60 crates before being transported around 300 miles to the Durham workshop of organ builders Harrison & Harrison.

The historic instrument is expected to remain there until summer 2027 before returning to Wells for reinstallation.

Despite a temporary instrument now in use, cathedral musicians say the original organ's sound and presence cannot be replicated.

Assistant Director of Music Carolyn Craig said: "It's a relief to play an instrument that works, and it's great fun playing with the many sounds available, but no digital instrument can replace the body and presence of our Grand Organ. We can't wait to have it back."

The Grand Organ is central to worship, concerts and community events at Wells Cathedral and is typically played for around four hours a day, often longer during busy periods.

When the refurbishment is complete, the rebuilt instrument will contain 4,341 pipes. The smallest will be about the size of a pencil, while the largest will measure around 10 metres long. If laid end to end, the pipes would stretch for more than two kilometres.

Over the coming months, specialists will fully restore the instrument, renewing its wind system, cleaning and repairing every pipe, installing new pipework, replacing soundboards and rebuilding the console.

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Between summer and autumn 2027 the restored components will return to Wells Cathedral, where the organ will be reassembled and each pipe carefully voiced to suit the building's acoustics.

Until then, services and performances will continue using a temporary Viscount Regent 356-D digital organ.

The £3 million restoration project has already received significant support from The Friends of Wells Cathedral's Grand Organ Appeal and The Vinehill Trust, although the cathedral says further fundraising is still needed to complete the work.

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