Q&A with Organ Renovation Team: Friday 17th January 13:00-15:00

If you’d like to hear the latest update on the restoration of the Cathedral’s organ, which was originally built in 1685 by Renatus Harris and rebuilt in 1907 by Walker, then please join us for a special Q&A session with the Organ Renovation Team. Taking place inside Bristol Cathedral on Friday 17th January between 13:00 and 15:00, everyone is welcome to drop in, ask questions, and hear fascinating insights about the £2.2M restoration project currently well underway.

This will also be the first official gathering of 2025 for members of the Fitzhardinge Society, who will take part in a Cathedral tour immediately after the Q&A.

The group has played a pivotal role in making the renovation happen, having raised funds over several years so that Bristol Cathedral Trust could ensure the longevity of the historic organ, which thousands of visitors come to see each year.

Last summer, members of the Fitzhardinge Society paid a visit to Harrison & Harrison in Durham to see the specialist firm in action, restoring the organ in their extensive workshop. The shop floor was full of Bristol Cathedral’s Walker organ and the group learned all about the manufacturing disciplines needed to build and restore an organ. This included witnessing woodwork, metal work, and leather work, as well as the meticulous cleaning of the keyboards.

Members of the Fitzhardinge Society play an important role in protecting and preserving the Cathedral for future generations by helping to raise significant funds, including for the renovation of the organ. In total, the Bristol Cathedral Trust Organ Restoration Appeal raised £2.2 million, which included an incredibly generous gift of £1,670,000 from the Harry Crook Foundation.

Other projects that Fitzhardinge Society members have raised funds to support include the renovation of the Rose Window, refurbishing the Cathedral bells, assisting with the renovation of the North Cloister roof, and refurbishing and improving the Cathedral toilets.

The Society was formed in 2006 to support the mission of Bristol Cathedral Trust, and to facilitate the opportunity for members to participate in regular activities to learn more about, and get involved in, the preservation and restoration of the Cathedral building.

If you would like to find out more about becoming a member of the Fitzhardinge Society, please click here.