Delivering a once‑in‑a‑generation project to restore the Grand Organ at the Heart of Wells Cathedral.
About the Project
Music has always been at the heart of Wells. It shapes the spiritual and cultural identity of both Cathedral and community. And with records of an organ in the Cathedral dating back to the early 14th century, Wells’ Grand Organ is central to the DNA of our worship, our celebrations and our community gatherings.
But in recent years, a rapidly growing number of faults has put the Grand Organ at risk of imminent catastrophic failure.
Our organists have had to draw on their creative skills to cleverly mask sticking notes, hissing sounds, delayed action and failing air systems. The scale and speed of the organ’s deterioration meant that a major and urgent refurbishment project was critical to the instrument’s survival.
So the Wells Cathedral Grand Organ Project is now underway.
In February 2026, nearly 4,000 pipes – along with wind reservoirs, electrical systems and console – were carefully removed from the Cathedral, and transported 300 miles north to the Durham workshop of organ builders, Harrison & Harrison. The parts are expected to remain with Harrison & Harrison until Summer 2027, before returning to Wells to be reinstalled.
The £3 million project has already received generous support from The Friends of Wells Cathedral’s Grand Organ Appeal, and from The Vinehill Trust. However, we still need to raise a significant sum to see this important project through to completion.
If you would like to help complete this once‑in‑a‑generation initiative to safeguard one of England’s most important cathedral instruments, please consider making a quick and easy online donation at the Friends of Wells Cathedral website using the button below:
Make a DonationIf you are a private donor, or represent a trust or foundation, and would like to discuss the project in more detail, we would love to hear from you. Simply email us at fundraiser@wellscathedral.org.uk.
Thank you for your consideration.
Did you know?
On average, the Grand Organ is played about four hours a day, often more on busy days.
The rebuilt organ will have 4,341 pipes. The smallest pipe will be about the size of a pencil; the largest will be about ten metres long.
Joined end to end, the pipes would stretch for more than two kilometres.
The organ will weigh about 16 tonnes, roughly the same as eight family cars.
The Rebuild Timeline
January 2026
Careful Removal: The Grand Organ is safely dismantled and transported to Harrison & Harrison’s Durham workshop.
Temporary instrument in place: A compact electronic organ is installed so music can continue.
February 2026 to Summer 2027
New wind system: Leaking leather reservoirs (bellows) are replaced to provide steady, reliable air to every pipe.
Pipe cleaning and repair: Over 4,000 pipes are individually cleaned; damaged pipes are restored so each speaks clearly again.
New pipework: Additional pipes are designed, scaled and made to enrich the organ’s sound and extend its dynamic range.
New soundboards: The slider soundboards beneath the pipes are renewed with modern materials to improve reliability.
Console overhaul: The organist’s console is rebuilt with an updated layout and modern controls.
Summer to Autumn 2027
Reinstallation at Wells: Restored and new components are carefully reassembled.
Voicing the organ: Each pipe is adjusted by ear, first individually then together, so pitch, tone and volume suit the Cathedral’s acoustics, giving the instrument its finished “voice”.
Find Out More
Inside the Organ (video)
In this video, Andrew Scott of Harrison & Harrison Organ Builders takes us on a tour of Wells Cathedral’s Grand Organ, highlighting its history, construction, and the various causes for concern.
Photo Gallery
Scaffolding goes up around the Grand Organ.
How You Can Help
The extremely generous support of The Friends of Wells Cathedral, The Vinehill Trust and other donors has enabled us to begin this critical project to save something at the very heart of Wells Cathedral. However, we still need to raise a significant sum to see this major project through to completion.
Make a Donation Contact UsThank You to Our Funders
This project would not have been possible without the following funders:
The Friends of Wells Cathedral was founded in 1933, and there are now Friends across the globe. The Friends support the Chapter of Wells in the of maintenance of the fabric, life and work of the Cathedral. The Friends have contributed to projects big and small, relating to the building and to departments within the Cathedral Foundation.
The Vinehill Trust makes grants to charitable, educational and ecclesiastical organisations across the United Kingdom to support projects in music, heritage and health.