Will you help care for Ely Cathedral's Organ?

Ely Cathedral's Organ Appeal

"Music is the lifeblood of Ely Cathedral, and the Great Organ is at the heart of it all".

Historical records provide evidence of organ music at Ely Cathedral from the medieval period, with records dating back to the 14th century. The present organ was built in 1908 by renowned organ builders Harrison & Harrison, incorporating some of the pipework from its predecessor and was widely recognised as a prototype for the English cathedral organ. The magnificent organ case, designed by the celebrated Victorian architect Sir George Gilbert Scott, remains an important feature of the Cathedral’s architecture.

This essential project will cost £2.2 million. Thanks to the generosity of trusts and major donors we are nearly there. Your help is needed to raise the final £400,000.

A team of expert organ builders are due to start working on the organ in Spring 2027. It is anticipated the project will take over a year to clean and repair all 5800 pipes, fix the power motors and wind system, and carry out a complete overhaul of the worn-out console and electrical system. 

Your generosity will provide crucial funding to conserve and renew this magnificent pipe organ for many decades to come. 

Sponsor a Pipe

You can sponsor an organ pipe from just £25. 
You can do this as a personal donation, as a gift for friends or family, or in memory of someone. 

Sponsor a Stop

You can sponsor an organ stop from £5,000. 
This can be a personal donation, as a gift for friends or family, or in memory of someone. 

The organ is central to worship, music, learning, and concerts here at the Cathedral, bringing joy to countless listeners from all over the world. It also plays a vital role in nurturing young talent, offering training and scholarship opportunities, safeguarding the future of the English choral tradition.

The Nave Division

In addition to restoring this historic instrument, a Nave Division is to be added in the north nave Triforium. This upgrade will dramatically improve how music sounds throughout the entire 75 metre nave – one of the longest in any English cathedral. 

In the event that the amount raised exceeds the overall cost of the Organ project, any surplus will be used to support music at Ely Cathedral.