Place a bid and be part of musical history at Gloucester Cathedral

Supporters are offered a final opportunity to sponsor part of the Cathedral's magnificent new organ through a short online auction running up to the Organ Gala Festival event.

Following a summer of celebrations marking the completion and dedication of Gloucester Cathedral's magnificent new organ, supporters are being invited to become part of its musical history by bidding to sponsor one of a limited number of remaining organ stops ahead of the Organ Gala Concert on 12 September.

The Sponsor a Stop Auction opened on Monday 31 August and runs until Monday 21 September, offering a rare opportunity for music lovers, visitors and supporters to leave a lasting legacy while helping to secure the future of music at Gloucester Cathedral.

Built by Nicholson & Co and housed within the Cathedral's beautifully restored 17th-century organ cases, the new organ is one of the most significant investments in the Cathedral's musical life for decades. With 3,338 pipes and 91 stops, it has been designed specifically for Gloucester Cathedral's unique acoustics, supporting worship, concerts, recordings, education and community music-making for generations to come.

Each stop controls a family of pipes with its own distinctive character and tone. Together, they create the extraordinary richness, colour and versatility that make the organ one of the world's most remarkable instruments.

The auction runs alongside the Cathedral's Gala Concert on Saturday 12 September, the culmination of a series of events celebrating this landmark moment in the Cathedral's 1,000-year musical tradition.

Every successful sponsor will receive a personalised Certificate of Sponsorship, have their name permanently engraved on a pipe within their chosen stop, be invited to a special thank-you event with members of the Cathedral's music team, and receive priority booking for a special concert later this year.

Funds raised will directly support Gloucester Cathedral's Singing and Organ Academies, helping to widen access to high-quality music education and inspire the next generation of musicians.

Through workshops, performances, scholarships and community outreach across Gloucestershire, the Academies are creating opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds to discover the joy and transformative power of music.

Jonathan Hope, Assistant Director of Music (Organ), said:

"Please do place a bid for a chance to sponsor one of the stops on our magnificent new organ. In doing so, you will become forever connected with the organ and all that it will bring to the Cathedral in the years ahead.

"By sponsoring part of the organ, you will also be supporting the work of our Singing and Organ Academies, helping us share music with as many different people as possible across the county.

"We are thrilled to be sharing the full voice of the new organ with audiences this year and celebrating together its magnificence and versatility."

Only a limited number of stops remain available, making this the final opportunity to become part of a landmark chapter in Gloucester Cathedral's musical history.

Whether you’re a lifelong music enthusiast, a supporter of Gloucester Cathedral, or simply someone who wants to help future generations experience the power of music, sponsoring a stop offers a unique chance to leave a lasting legacy while supporting one of Britain's great musical traditions.

The Sponsor a Stop Auction opens on Monday 31 August and closes on Monday 21 September.