Visitors to the Prince Albert Pub may be surprised to find a “carpet of love” spreading across a section of the garden.
Spotted in Ely Rocks are hoping to “cover the garden in love for a spectacular sight” on Valentine’s Day.
Young and old alike have been leaving love-themed rocks of art – aimed at warming the stoniest of hearts.
The display aims to spread happiness throughout the city and “demonstrate how much love there is in Ely”, organiser Fleur Patten says.
“We Ely Rockers wanted to do something special for Valentine’s Day and LGBT. The beautiful Prince Albert garden seemed the ideal place to display the rocks until Valentine’s Day in half term.
“The pub has been very generous and accommodating. They are an important part of Ely, the pub is placed in an ideal central location.”
Anyone is welcome to drop a love rock in the garden, and visitors are asked not to disturb the love rocks but to enjoy the display.
The family friendly pub will host a celebration at 2pm on Wednesday, February 14 (Valentine’s Day), hosted by Spotted in Ely Rocks.
“After the event, folks will be invited to take a rock away for a loved one or to rehide and to make a small donation to the British Heart Foundation and Pride in Ely, which will host its first Pride Festival on August 11.
“We want to demonstrate how much love there is in Ely.”
Prince Albert chef Ben Andrews said customers have been chatting about the growing display, and that he and girlfriend Shannon had also painted a couple of rocks.
“It’s a good community thing. I went into work yesterday morning and found one in the car park and got quite excited.”
His mum, Emma, and brother Lincoln, five, also enjoy decorating, hiding and searching for rocks.
Last week, Spotted In Ely Rocks gained its 2000th member – and that number keeps on growing, with hundreds of rocks being dropped around East Cambridgeshire each week.
Fleur said: “Rockers’ generosity of spirit is absolutely breathtaking. I’m overwhelmed by the growth of the project. I think it has taken off because Ely folks have so much to give.
“There is a heartwarming story on the group every single day. I feel privileged to be part of such positivity. It’s amazing!”
Today (January 29) nursery school kids in Littleport are taking part in an intergenerational rockfest with residents at The Grange care home.
Community rockfests are taking place throughout East Cambridgeshire and beyond, with more free or cheap events planned throughout half term.
Last week, three-year-old Oliver was surprised with a colony of penguin rocks before having to go into hospital for tests.
A number of Spotted in Ely Rocks members are also picking up litter during rock hunting sessions, sorting them into separate bags for landfill or recycling.
We think our rockers are amazing!
For more about the Valentine’s Day display click here.
To join Spotted in Ely rocks click here.
