THE first phase to restore Bradford Cathedral’s historic organ has been completed.

A new console has now been installed ahead of the cathedral’s centenary celebrations in 2019 when, it is expected, the instrument will be fully restored – thanks to an ongoing fundraising campaign.

“It is fantastic, we now have a totally up-to-date console,” said Alex Woodrow, the cathedral’s director of music.

The next phase of the five phase restoration projectt, involving accomplished organ builders Andrew Cooper, and Andrew Carter, who was involved in the previous 1977 refurbishment programme, focuses on the piping system. Since the appeal began 18 months ago, the cathedral, thanks to the generosity of the public and from donations and grants from organisations such as the Pilling Trust, which supports Cathedral and Church music in places where there is a strong choral tradition, has managed to raise £112,000 with another pledge of £11,500 taking it towards the halfway mark of its £250,000 target.

The cathedral is also inviting people to sponsor one of the Edwardian organ’s pipes. In return, they will receive a certificate. A CD featuring 70 minutes of organ performances has been produced with proceeds going towards the appeal.

For more information, call 01274 777720 or e-mail alex.woodrow@bradfordcathedral.org.