Wells Cathedral Fund Exceeds £500,000 to Support Young Choristers

A fundraising initiative aimed at providing financial support for young choristers at Wells Cathedral has successfully surpassed its target of £500,000 in just two years. The Wells Cathedral Chorister Trust (WCCT) confirmed that its Coronation Fund, launched in 2023, has raised more than £500,000 from individual donations and grant-making organizations.

Arnold Wills, chair of the WCCT, praised the achievement as “a remarkable sum to have raised in such a short time.” He emphasized that this reflects the strong commitment shared by many individuals towards the Trust’s mission: ensuring that no talented child is prevented from becoming a Wells Cathedral chorister due to financial constraints.

The fund has received significant support from royal patron HRH The Duchess of Edinburgh, who has encouraged the public to “support this very special appeal.”

Impact on Young Singers

Toby Wright, Dean of Wells Cathedral, expressed his delight at the funding milestone, stating, “It is a great joy that this remarkable target has been so wonderfully surpassed.” He highlighted the importance of the fund in enabling more young people to thrive within the unique musical and spiritual environment of Wells Cathedral.

With the success of the Coronation Fund, the WCCT is now positioned to cover nearly all educational costs for choristers, increasing from covering over 95% to nearly 100%. Choristers, aged between seven and fourteen, attend Wells Cathedral School, recognized as one of only four government-supported specialist music schools in the UK.

Timothy Parsons, the director of music at Wells Cathedral, noted that this funding will provide a transformative opportunity for children who might not have otherwise considered becoming a chorister at Wells Cathedral.

Upcoming Events and Celebrations

The Trust is planning a “Be a chorister for a day” event for families with children aged six to nine on September 20, 2025. Details about this event can be found on the Trust’s website, wellscathedral.org.uk.

Additionally, the Trust will celebrate its fundraising success during an annual evensong service on October 11, 2025, at 17:15. This event will be attended by notable civic and church leaders, including Janet Montgomery, the High Sheriff of Somerset; Rt Revd Michael Beesley, the Bishop of Bath and Wells; Tessa Munt, Wells MP; and Mohammed Saddiq, the Lord-Lieutenant of Somerset.

Mr. Saddiq remarked on the life-changing impact of the Trust’s dedication and support, stating, “The dedication and support [the Trust] provides truly transforms the lives of the choristers. I couldn’t be more pleased with the incredible work the Trust has accomplished.”

This fundraising achievement not only highlights the generosity of the community but also reinforces the importance of accessible music education for young talents at Wells Cathedral.