A world-class festival of classical music in England’s smallest city, celebrating the talents of Wells Cathedral’s many musicians.
06–10 May 2026
Welcome
Welcome to the Sound of Wells Festival 2026! Over the course of five inspiring days, we invite you to celebrate the rich and vibrant musical life of Wells Cathedral.
Throughout the festival, you’ll hear performances from the Cathedral’s choirs and musicians, as well as our many associated ensembles who help keep music at the heart of this special place all year round.
This year, we shine a particular spotlight on our historic Grand Organ, which is currently undergoing a major, once‑in‑a‑generation restoration. Several events in the programme will help support this vital project, including a screening of Buster Keaton’s 1926 classic silent film The General with live organ accompaniment by Dr David Bednall (6 May), and a landmark performance of Monteverdi’s Vespers of 1610 (7 May).
With performances, services, and special events taking place throughout the week, we warmly invite you to explore and enjoy the breadth, depth, and creativity of music at Wells Cathedral.
Timothy Parsons, Festival Director
Festival At A Glance
*Ticketed event
Wednesday 6 May
1.05pm
Lunchtime Concert: Wells Cathedral School Composers
5.15pm
Choral Evensong with Wells Cathedral Youth Choir
8pm
*Silent Film with Live Organ: The General (1926)
*Tickets available at wellscathedral.eventbrite.co.uk
Thursday 7 May
11.30am
Mid-Morning Recital: Wells Cathedral Choral Scholars
5.15pm
Choral Evensong with Wells Cathedral Song Squad
7pm
*Concert: Monteverdi Vespers of 1610
*Tickets ON SALE available at wellscathedral.eventbrite.co.uk
Friday 8 May
1.05pm
Musical Outreach Concert: Springs and Fountains
5.15pm
Choral Evensong: Charles Wood Centenary
6.30pm
*An Evening of Concertos (Cedars Hall)
*Tickets available soon at cedarshallwells.co.uk/whats-on
Saturday 9 May
1.05pm
Lunchtime Concert: Wells Cathedral Oratorio Society
5.15pm
Orchestral Evensong
Sunday 10 May
10.30am
Cathedral Eucharist Featuring New Commission
1.05pm
Composers’ Masterclass (Cedars Hall)
3pm
Festival Evensong
4pm
Festival Bellringing
What’s On
Lunchtime Concert with Wells Cathedral School Composers
Wednesday 6 May, 1.05pm–1.45pm
Enjoy a lunchtime programme of chamber works written by up-and-coming student composers from Wells Cathedral School.
Admission: Included with entry to the Cathedral; retiring collection
Choral Evensong with Wells Cathedral Youth Choir
Wednesday 6 May, 5.15pm
A beautifully uplifting joint service featuring the Cathedral’s flourishing Youth Choir alongside the Vicars Choral.
Admission FREE; Retiring collection
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Silent Film with Live Organ: The General (1926)
Wednesday 6 May, 8pm
All aboard for one of cinema’s greatest silent comedies! Experience Buster Keaton’s 1926 classic brought to life with thrilling live organ by Dr David Bednall.
Admission: £15–£35; available via Eventbrite.
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Mid-Morning Recital: Wells Cathedral Choral Scholars
Thursday 7 May, 11.30am
A vibrant, varied programme performed by the Cathedral Choir’s gifted Alto, Tenor and Bass Choral Scholars.
Admission: Included with entry to the Cathedral; retiring collection
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Choral Evensong with Wells Cathedral Song Squad
Thursday 7 May, 5.15pm
The Cathedral’s youngest musicians sing alongside the Cathedral Choir at Evensong, featuring a new work by student composer Ernest Chui.
Admission FREE; Retiring collection
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Monteverdi Vespers of 1610
Thursday 7 May, 7pm
The Monteverdi String Band, English Cornett and Sackbut Ensemble, and outstanding soloists join Wells Cathedral Chamber Choir to perform Monteverdi’s landmark work of the sacred choral repertoire.
Admission: £15–£35; available via Eventbrite.
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Musical Outreach Concert: Springs and Fountains
Friday 8 May, 1.05pm
A joyful celebration of music-making with local primary pupils taking part in the Cathedral’s Primary Musical Outreach programme, directed by Alex Jenkins.
Admission: Included with entry to the Cathedral; retiring collection
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Choral Evensong: Charles Wood Centenary
Friday 8 May, 5.15pm
An atmospheric evening service marking the centenary of composer Charles Wood (1866–1926), with music by Canadian-born composer Kathryn Rose.
Admission FREE; Retiring collection
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An Evening of Concertos
Friday 8 May, 6.30pm, Cedars Hall, Wells Cathedral School
Outstanding young soloists from Wells Cathedral School offer a showcase performance as they compete for the chance to perform in the end-of-year concert in the Cathedral.
Admission: £10 / Under 18s FREE; available via cedarshallwells.co.uk
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Lunchtime Recital: Wells Cathedral Oratorio Society (WCOS)
Saturday 9 May, 1.05pm
The 120-voice Wells Cathedral Oratorio Society offers an exciting programme of choral works including Ralph Vaughan Williams’ Five Mystical Songs, with baritone William Drakett.
Admission: Included with entry to the Cathedral; retiring collection
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Orchestral Evensong
Saturday 9 May, 5.15pm
Wells Cathedral School Chapel Choir and String Orchestra join ranks with the Cathedral Choir for an expansive orchestral service, with music by Stanford and Bairstow.
Admission FREE; Retiring collection
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Cathedral Eucharist with Premiere
Sunday 10 May, 10.30am
Hear the world premiere of a new Missa Brevis by Cheryl Frances Hoad, made possible by the Wells Cathedral Commissions scheme.
Admission FREE; Retiring collection
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Composers’ Masterclass
Sunday 10 May, 1.05pm
A rare opportunity to observe emerging student composers at work with a leading UK artist, and hear insights into the world of composition.
Admission FREE; Retiring collection
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Festival Evensong
Sunday 10 May, 3pm
A celebratory closing service with music by Charles Wood and Matthew Martin, followed by a joyful peal of Cathedral bells.
Admission FREE; Retiring collection
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