More than three hundred people attended the Organathon event at Southwell Minster

A 24-hour fundraising marathon raised more than £8,000 for a cathedral organ appeal.

More than 300 visitors went along during The Great Southwell Organathon, some of whom paid to stay the night in the minster.

The event was also attended by a bat who spent the night flying around the inside of the cathedral.

Twelve professional organists, 22 choristers, 14 professional singers took part.

“It was a real privilege to be making history at the cathedral’s first ever organathon.” said Paul Provost, the minster’s director of music.

“We welcomed hundreds of visitors over the 24 hours. It was such a fantastic event that we’re already planning next year’s organathon.”

The visitors who spent the night at the Southwell Minster woke up to warm croissants, juices and iced buns for breakfast.

The last performance of the marathon was Last Night of the Proms, featuring the minster’s three tenors singing the opera Nessun dorma.

The final hurrah was Mr Provost playing Widor Toccata whilst blindfolded.

“A big thank you to all performers, audience members, and staff who helped make this spectacular experience so memorable,” he said.

The money raised goes towards a major organ refurbishment.

People can still donate on the Southwell Minster Organathon website.

It is part of a £250,000 fundraising effort for the upkeep of the minster’s two organs. The minster has two organs in regular use.

The screen organ is used for evensong services in the quire, and the nave organ accompanies congregational singing, as well as the choir at Sunday eucharists.

Both need regular care and maintenance and the screen organ is due a major overhaul.