The annual Ely’s Eel Festival went extremely well over the weekend, with an excess of 7-8,000 visiting Ely over the three full days of fun. This year, as Ely and the whole nation celebrates the VE 80th anniversary, the High Street was adorned with VE Bunting ready for the annual parade, and what a parade it was.
Ely’s beautiful Eel, created by Cary Outis, local artist, did some quick repairs and freshen up after a year in hibernation, and what a beautiful sight it was. Crowds gathered on Cross Green waiting for the Eel to come to life! Cary led the Eel, followed by volunteers of the Ely and District Scouts, and together they wiggled their way through the crowds towards Ely’s Riverside and Jubilee Gardens.
The parade was led by Fred Duffield’s WW2 jeeps as homage to the VE80th anniversary, together with RBL Veterans. The Mayor and Mayoress were lucky enough to take a ride in the Jeeps, which looked great fun as the crowds waved with delight. Charlotte Cane, Ely’s MP also took place in the Parade, together with the New Samba Band. Over seven Morris sides came to Ely dancing in various locations throughout the city and joining in the parade plus various dance troupes. It certainly was a sight to see, a truly glorious parade and probably the best one yet!
Jubilee Gardens continued to be busy throughout the day with Eel Throwing (not real eels), jellied eels, baby eels from the environment agency, and lots of eel themed food from over eleven participating eateries throughout Ely.
The festival continued in the heart of Ely on Sunday and Bank Holiday Monday. The Eel Festival ‘Food, Drink and Craft Fair’ was again busy with visitors with the High Street benefitting from additional trade as Ely thrived in the Spring sunshine. We welcomed the ‘Knightingales’ Sunday afternoon, and what a show it was. Palace Green was packed with families and friends gathering in signing along united in celebratory victory as we remember VE DAY 80 years ago. The vocal trio sang some wartime favourites which encouraged a sing-along and dancing, it was a true joy to see the people of Ely so happy!
The third and final day, Bank Holiday Monday the sun shone, again Ely was busy with visitors and our local community, eating, drinking and listening the chilled-out Jazz from ‘That other Band’ who entertained most of the afternoon.
Anna Bennett, Visit Ely Events Manager commented “Once again, the events team did us proud! It was a well organised, safe, fun event, and you could see from the look peoples faces, they loved it. A huge thank you to all our volunteers, staff and sponsors, which without them, an event of this size would not be able to go ahead. The team are now working the next event, Armed Forces Day 2025, which will take place June 21st, and we hope everyone will join us as we continue our theme of celebrating VE80th anniversary, and our Armed Force, past, present and future.”