Bradford’s organ restoration appeal is starting the New Year on a high note.

Launched last February, the appeal has recently been given a boost with a £30,000 grant over three years from the Pilling Trust which supports Cathedral and Church music in places where there is a strong choral tradition.

Alex Woodrow, the Cathedral’s director of music, said: “In terms of the public appeal, it has more than doubled with just over £30,000. It has been a really positive last few months.”

A number of fundraising events have already been scheduled this year to achieve the £250,000 needed to restore the organ in time for the Cathedral’s centenary in 2019.

On Friday, Jonathan Eyre, the Cathedral’s assistant director of music, will improvise music to the silent movie Nosferatu at 7pm. Tickets are £8.

February also sees the return of the popular lunchtime organ recitals with musicians including York Minster’s director of music, Robert Sharpe on February 5, and Stephen Cleobury, who is in charge of the Kings College Choir Cambridge, performing on February 26.

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 also been produced with proceeds will go towards the appeal.

The five-phase restoration project, expected to start in the summer, involves two accomplished organ builders, Andrew Cooper, and Andrew Carter who was involved in the previous 1977 refurbishment programme.

For more information, call (01274) 777720 or e-mail alex.woodrow@ bradford cathedral.org.