Wells Cathedral will host a farewell concert for its historic organ next month before it's dismantled and sent off for a major overhaul.

The event takes place at 7.30pm on Thursday, 11 December, and marks the final chance to hear the grand instrument before scaffolding goes up in January and it's removed for cleaning, repair and partial replacement.

The organ will travel to Durham for the restoration work and is expected to return in late 2027. It will still be used during the cathedral's Christmas services — unless technical issues prevent it.

Director of Music Tim Parsons will perform Messiaen's La Nativité du Seigneur on the night — a dramatic and seasonal piece which he plans to reprise when the organ is reinstalled.

The cathedral described the concert as a "watershed moment" in its musical life. The public is invited to attend and be part of the instrument's send-off.

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