The Friends of Wells Cathedral are hosting a special evening performance on Thursday, 19th September, at 7.00 p.m., as part of their ongoing efforts to raise funds for the Grand Organ Appeal.

The event marks a crucial push to reach the halfway milestone of £1 million, with just £50,000 left to secure.

The Grand Organ Appeal has so far garnered an impressive £950,000 in donations and pledges. This significant sum has brought the Friends of Wells Cathedral within touching distance of the £1 million mark, which represents the halfway point in their ambitious fundraising campaign. The goal is to reach this milestone before the end of 2024.

While the fundraising efforts have been successful, the condition of the Grand Organ itself is a cause for concern. Currently, 25% of the instrument is unplayable, and further deterioration is expected unless urgent restoration work is undertaken.

The upcoming fundraiser will feature performances by Wells Cathedral's new Director of Music, Tim Parsons, alongside Assistant Director of Music, Carolyn Craig. The evening will showcase the Grand Organ's vital role in the cathedral's musical life, with the instrument accompanying singers, other musicians, and the congregation in a variety of pieces.

This event will also serve as the launch of The Friends of Wells Cathedral's "£50,000 Push," a final effort to close the gap and secure the first million pounds needed for the Grand Organ's restoration.

Organisers are hopeful that the community will rally together to support this important cause. "This is a great milestone that we hope to be able to reach and celebrate before the end of 2024," said a representative from The Friends of Wells Cathedral. "Thank you so much to so many of you for your generous support, which has helped us get so close to this important point on our fundraising journey."

Those interested in attending the fundraiser can RSVP by emailing [email protected] or by sending a postal response to Friends Office, West Cloister, Wells BA5 2PA.