Timothy Parsons, director of music, with Wells Cathedral Choir, including new Year 3 choristers

Young choristers showcase their skills during celebratory Evensong at Wells Cathedral

Paul JonesOctober 23, 20250 Comment0

YOUNG choristers at Wells Cathedral were celebrated during a special event this month.

The Wells Cathedral Chorister Trust (WCCT) Annual Evensong took place on Saturday, October 11, welcoming high-profile guests and celebrating the group’s efforts.

Patrons, ambassadors, friends of the Trust, and the families of the choristers were joined by distinguished guests including Mohammed Saddiq DL, HM Lord-Lieutenant of Somerset; Janet Montgomery, High Sheriff of Somerset; and Tessa Munt, MP for Wells and Mendip Hills.

The Bishop of Bath and Wells, the Right Reverend Michael Beasley, gave The Blessing at the end of the service.

WCCT chair, Arnold Wills, also welcomed The Very Reverend Toby Wright as a new patron.

“We enjoy a happy and excellent relationship with both Wells Cathedral School and the Cathedral,” Arnold said. “This appointment of a Dean of Wells is long overdue.”

The Evensong was also a celebration of the Coronation Fund Appeal’s success and came fresh from the news the Trust has raised £500,000 in two years for a dedicated, separate fund to support choristers requiring 95% or more bursaries.

The fund aims to ensure musical talent, not financial circumstance, determines who can flourish as a Wells Cathedral Chorister, the charity said.

“WCCT has given so many opportunities to enable people to join the choir who would otherwise not be able to,” said the Dean of Wells. “We know that music changes lives, and what WCCT does is vital.”

Mohammed Saddiq, Lord-Lieutenant of Somerset, with new WCCT Patron, the Very Reverend Toby Wright Dean of Wells

During the Evensong, the congregation was treated to a programme including performances by new Year 3 Choristers, aged just seven.

It was delivered under the direction of Timothy Parsons, director of music, and included hymns and sacred music from Parry, Bairstow and Dyson.

“We are so very grateful to all those who help the work of the Trust and this is a fitting way to offer our thanks,” Arnold added. “Much can be achieved with the magnificent support of Trustees and the ever-growing list of supporters.”

To learn more about Wells Cathedral Chorister Trust, visit www.wcct.co.uk.