Wells Cathedral Chorister Trust (WCCT) is proud to announce that the Coronation Fund, launched in 2023 has surpassed its target. Thanks to the generous support of individual supporters and grant-making bodies, more than £500,000 has been raised in just two years.
The ambition to aim high is shared by the Trust’s Royal Patron, HRH The Duchess of Edinburgh, who urged people to “support this very special appeal.”
The Dean of Wells Cathedral, Toby Wright, was one of the first to congratulate the Trust saying: ‘It is a great joy that this remarkable target has been so wonderfully surpassed. Most importantly, it ensures that many more young people will be enabled to flourish through the unique musical and spiritual life of Wells Cathedral.’
Arnold Wills, Chair of WCCT, with Wells Choristers
Arnold Wills, Chair of WCCT and valuable volunteer with Cathedral Music Trust stated:
‘It is a remarkable sum to have raised in such a short time, reflecting the deep commitment so many people share for the Trust’s mission: ensuring that no talented child is prevented by financial barriers from becoming a Wells Cathedral chorister.’
Thanks to the unprecedented success of the Coronation Fund, WCCT can now support a family by covering virtually all the costs of a chorister’s education – from more than 95% right up to 100%.
Wells Choristers are aged between seven and fourteen, and pupils at Wells Cathedral School, one of four government-supported specialist music schools in the UK. WCCT was founded in 2003 to provide additional bursaries for gifted children and through the generosity of regular donors it has assisted Wells Cathedral choir to recruit choristers on merit alone. Children from all backgrounds have been able to enjoy the experiences that come with being part of the community at Wells Cathedral, as well as the opportunities afforded from attending such a prestigious music school
Despite the various grants and bursaries that are available, for many families the dream is still out of reach. ‘This is where the Coronation Fund comes in, allowing us to go one step further and support a child whose family requires between 95% and 100% school fees bursary,’ continues Arnold. ‘I am pleased to say that we will be putting the fund into action straightaway.’
Timothy Parsons, Director of Music at Wells Cathedral, is equally delighted. ‘It will offer the life-changing opportunity of becoming a Chorister at Wells Cathedral to children who otherwise would not be able to consider it,’ he said. ‘Congratulations are due to the Trust on raising this enormous sum in just two years, but most especially to the passion and hard work of its Chair, Arnold Wills.’
For any child aged six to nine years old interested in discovering more about the life of a chorister, Wells Cathedral is holding a ‘Be a chorister for a day’ event on Saturday 20 September 2025.Details are available from wellscathedral.org.uk.
Meanwhile, there is lots to look forward to in the forthcoming months starting with the Wells Cathedral Chorister Trust Annual Evensong on Saturday 11 October at 5.15pm. It is open to everyone to enjoy, and this year will include a celebration of the Coronation Fund success. In recognition of the work of the WCCT, the service will also be attended by the High Sheriff of Somerset, Janet Montgomery; the Bishop of Bath and Wells, The Rt Revd Michael Beesley; MP for Wells, Tessa Munt, as well as The Lord-Lieutenant of Somerset, Mohammed Saddiq, who has said: “I am absolutely delighted with the remarkable achievements of the Wells Cathedral Choristers Trust. The dedication and support it provides truly transforms the lives of the choristers. I couldn’t be more pleased with the incredible work the Trust has accomplished.”
If you know a child with talent and potential who might benefit from the Coronation Fund, or if you’d like to support the next generation of choristers, visit wcct.co.uk to find out how you can help open the door to a potentially life-changing experience.
