An appeal has been launched to fund the restoration of Carlisle Cathedral’s organ.
The Father Willis organ has been in service at the cathedral for 170 years and will cost a total of £2.4 million to restore and repair.
It has almost 4,000 pipes, 72 stops, intricate mechanical and pneumatic systems and bespoke components that cannot be replaced off the shelf.
While it has been carefully maintained, it has not undergone a full overhaul for nearly 30 years, and specialists said it was now approaching a point of serious risk.
The restoration plan has already secured a £1.6 million grant from the Benny Walker Charitable Trust, plus significant support from the Friends of Carlisle Cathedral.
The remaining £600,000 needs to be raised from donations, gifts, pledges and grants.
The Venerable Michael Everitt, Interim Dean of Carlisle, said “Music is integral to our past, present, and future. This can range from the beautiful simplicity of a young voice singing a solo, such as the first verse of Once in Royal David’s City at Christmas, through to a great organ voluntary at the end of a service.
“Both in still small voices, and with mighty organs, Carlisle Cathedral has resounded with melody.
“For 170 years our current organ has been at the heart of all of this. From its arrival, its beauty, both in appearance and in sound, has inspired generations of people from Carlisle, Cumbria and wider afield.
“Through daily use, it has become clear that extensive work is now needed to ensure the organ can continue to serve our worship, music and community life with vibrancy and reliability.
“Following careful consultation and independent advice, we are now seeking to raise funds to carry out essential repair and renewal, securing the future of this remarkable instrument.
“I warmly invite you to consider being part of this work. Every gift will help sustain the musical life that lies at the heart of our worship, our outreach and our welcome. Together, we can ensure that the sound of music continues to resound and echo through this cathedral for generations to come.”
To donate, visit https://carlislecathedral.org.uk/heavenly-voices-mighty-sound/
