Gloucester Cathedral auctions remaining organ stops to fund music education

# What's happening

# What sponsors receive Sponsors gain a permanent physical association with the instrument plus a short package of benefits: an invitation to an exclusive appreciation event with the cathedral's music team and early access to tickets for a concert later in the year. The auction coincides with a Gala Concert on September 12 tied to celebrations of the organ's installation.

# Why the cathedral is fundraising this way Money raised will go directly to Gloucester Cathedral's Singing and Organ Academies. Those programmes deliver music education, performances, scholarships and outreach across Gloucestershire, with the cathedral stating the funds will help more people of different ages and backgrounds access high-quality musical training.

Jonathan Hope, the cathedral's Assistant Director of Music (Organ), encouraged bids, saying sponsoring a stop ties donors permanently to the instrument and supports the academies' work to share music across the county.

# About the organ itself

• Builder: Nicholson & Co
• Pipes: 3,338
• Stops: 91 (only a small number remain available to sponsor)
• Keyboards: four manuals and a full pedalboard
• Housing: fitted into restored 17th-century organ cases and tailored to Gloucester Cathedral's acoustics

The organ was officially blessed at a special service in July attended by the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, who are joint patrons of the cathedral's In Tune Music and Organ Campaigns.

# Context: cathedral music and community role

# Practical takeaways for prospective bidders

• Dates: Sponsor a Stop runs Aug 31–Sep 21.

• Benefits: pipe engraving, personalised certificate, appreciation event invite, early concert ticket access.
• Purpose: funds support Singing and Organ Academies delivering education and outreach across the county.

# Why some readers will care If you support music education, cathedral heritage, or want a lasting named connection to a major new instrument, this auction offers a tangible way to contribute. The organ's specification and the cathedral's plans for using the funds make clear the sponsorship links to both performance and training activity.