Silent Film with Live Organ: Buster Keaton's The General (1926)

All aboard for one of cinema’s greatest silent comedies! Now celebrating its 100th anniversary, Buster Keaton’s masterpiece The General (1926) takes inspiration from the real-life Great Locomotive Chase of 1862 and has earned its place in film history for its daring stunts, deadpan humour, and breathtaking railway chases. Dr David Bednall’s live organ soundtrack will bring every thrilling moment to life!

This event is in aid of the Wells Cathedral Grand Organ Project with support of the Friends of Wells Cathedral.

The film will begin at 8.00pm, doors will open from 7.15pm.

Need help booking?

Email [email protected] for assistance

Complimentary seats for carers can be secured by emailing [email protected]

About the Grand Organ Appeal

Music has always been at the heart of Wells. It shapes the spiritual and cultural identity of both Cathedral and community. And with records of an organ in the Cathedral dating back to the early 14th century, Wells’ Grand Organ is central to the DNA of our worship, our celebrations and our community gatherings.

But in recent years, a rapidly growing number of faults has put the Grand Organ at risk of imminent catastrophic failure.

Our organists have had to draw on their creative skills to cleverly mask sticking notes, hissing sounds, delayed action and failing air systems. The scale and speed of the organ’s deterioration meant that a major and urgent refurbishment project was critical to the instrument’s survival.

So the Wells Cathedral Grand Organ Project is now underway.

In February 2026, nearly 4,000 pipes – along with wind reservoirs, electrical systems and console – were carefully removed from the Cathedral, and transported 300 miles north to the Durham workshop of organ builders, Harrison & Harrison. The parts are expected to remain with Harrison & Harrison until Summer 2027, before returning to Wells to be reinstalled.

The £3 million project has already received generous support from The Friends of Wells Cathedral’s Grand Organ Appeal, and from The Vinehill Trust. However, we still need to raise a significant sum to see this important project through to completion.

If you would like to help complete this once‑in‑a‑generation initiative to safeguard one of England’s most important cathedral instruments, please consider making a quick and easy online donation at the Friends of Wells Cathedral website.

Refundable tickets: insurance terms and conditions

• Insurance covers tickets purchased via the Wells Cathedral Eventbrite portal.
• The Beneficiary is the owner of an insured ticket. Refunds can only be issued via the original payment method.
• The insurance cover begins at the time the ticket is purchased and ends at the beginning of the event.
• Insurance can only be purchased simultaneously with tickets. Later purchase is not possible.
• If insurance is only purchased on some of the ticket holder’s tickets, only these tickets will be covered by the insurance.
• Refunds can be issued to the ticket holder if they are unable or no longer wish to attend for any reason.
• The refund will include the ticket value with the value of the insurance premium.
• To receive a refund, the ticket holder must provide the original order number and the original confirmation email.
• When the refund has been issued, tickets will immediately be made available for general re-sale and may not be available for re-purchase by the beneficiary.

Tickets purchased without insurance are non-refundable unless the event is cancelled or rescheduled by the Cathedral.

By purchasing tickets via this page, you confirm that you have read and agreed to these terms and conditions.

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

Get App

Host or Publisher Wells Cathedral