Bristol Cathedral is celebrating the return of its Grand Organ following an 18 month restoration programme.
Bristol Cathedral Launches The Grand Organ Festival
Following the reinstatement of the organ, music lovers, history enthusiasts and the curious are invited to discover this 300-year-old instrument with the launch of a festival of sound.
The Very Revd Dr Mandy Ford, Dean of Bristol, said:
“We are looking forward to celebrating one of the great treasures of Bristol Cathedral – our magnificent organ, an instrument that has filled the Cathedral with its beautiful sound since 1685.
‘We are truly grateful for the skill of those who, down through the centuries, have played this instrument with sensitivity and understanding, enabling the worship and praise of the whole community. Likewise, the extraordinary craftsmanship of those who built it, and have cared for it, and now restored it for generations to come.”
The cathedral’s grand organ has undergone restoration by specialist firm Harrison and Harrison Ltd with support from the Harry Crook Foundation, Bristol Cathedral Trust, and generous donors.
Mark Lee, Master of the Choristers and Organist, said:
“At its core, the function of any church organ is to support the worship in that place. When, in the last few decades, our Cathedral organ increasingly struggled to fulfil that function, the Organ Project was launched to rectify that situation. Now, in the coming weeks and months, we look forward to sharing with as many people as possible the full extent of the instrument’s capabilities.”
Throughout 2026 visitors can experience world-class organists in concert, silent film improvisation, and interactive workshops.
Next month will see two launch events starting with the Harry Crook Grand Opening Recital (8 May) when internationally acclaimed organist David Briggs gives the opening recital, with a virtuosic programme demonstrating the full capabilities of the organ as a solo instrument.
This will be followed by a rare screening of a silent film inside the cathedral. The Phantom of the Opera (May 9) will be accompanied by David Briggs improvising a soundtrack.
Visitors can attend free and ticketed concerts that showcase the instruments range, interactive workshops, and family-friendly activities, discovering how the organ works and sparking curiosity. Full listing for the festival can be found here.
