First Lantern Summer Fair Since Pandemic Promises Affordable Fun

Roll up, roll up! The Lantern Summer Fair is back for the first time since the pandemic – and it’s promising to be a fantastic afternoon for the whole community!

Bouncy castles, face painting and a performance by the Ely Hero Award-winning Lane Academy are all on the agenda, as well as numerous games and stalls – including the chance to soak Lantern School headteacher Anthony Aguda with a wet sponge while he stands in the stocks!

The fair on June 24th is free to enter and activities have been kept as cheap as possible to accommodate all members of the community, Friends of the Lantern School (FOTLS) chair and mother-of-six Meredith Hux Atkins said.

“We know times are tough – so we wanted to ensure no one missed out. Many of the activities will set you back just 50p to £1. We want to raise money for our wonderful school while keeping things affordable for our community.”

For the first time, the fair is offering a tantalising array of external food vendors, with Cambridge Samosa Company, Pig-Cassos, Pimp My Fish and Tipsy Trotter Gin ‘n’ Fizz Bar confirmed – as well as a refreshments stall run by event hosts FOTLS.

People will be able to take part in a tombola and a super summer raffle, with prizes including a Nintendo Switch, vouchers for Horsley Hale Farm Glamping, Church Farm, Treetops, South Angle Farm Park, Barracuda Activity Day Camp, The Hive, Grain Culture and Cineworld, as well as numerous toys, gifts and handmade items.

Mother-of-three Fiona Williams, who organised the raffle, said: “Our local businesses, artists and makers have been incredibly generous. We are very grateful for their support in donating such wonderful prizes, especially in such tough times. Every penny we raise from this fair goes directly to the school – so we really appreciate it.”

Those attending the fair will be able to look inside a fire engine, and for the first time, a tractor from G’s will be on site for young and old to enjoy.

This is the first Lantern Summer Fair since 2019.

Meredith said: “Many of the younger kids at the school have never been to one of our fairs. It’s so lovely to be able to put events back on again – not just for our kids but for the whole community. This is traditionally our biggest fundraiser of the year, so please do come along and support it.”

FOTLS would like to thank Tesco in Ely for providing some of the refreshments and Pocock and Shaw for sponsoring our advertising billboards.

The Lantern Summer Fair runs from 12pm to 3pm on June 24th at the Lantern School, Nene Road, Ely.

For more information see www.facebook.com/events/217736164329638