Around 1000 people attended the final two days of Ely Arts Festival, which brought together locals and visitors at Jubilee Gardens for a weekend of fun, bringing the festival’s 2021 programme to a close. 

The weekend began with live music in the bandstand, with performances from local acts Paddy Bennett, Funksoul Brothers, John Holland Avery, Littleport Brass Band and East Cambs Wind Band. The music continued into Saturday afternoon with a Teddy Bears Tea Picnic Concert provided by Shake, Rattle and Roll for babies and toddlers. 

Local artist Louise Beale provided craft activities for all ages, and exhibited the final result of her project with Babylon ARTS ‘Fen Stitch Together’, a quilt created from patches handmade and sent in by local residents. 

Attendees were also treated to an amazing steampunk inspired artwork by artist Mike Hartley called ‘The Yesterday & Tomorrow Machine‘. It’s first visit to Ely, as part of the Somewhere in Ely project, where local people voted for the pop-up artworks they would like to see in Ely. Local artist Ted Coney also showcased his collection of paintings in his Artist in Residence tour at his studio based along the riverside and the Babylon Gallery welcomed visitors to its Edge of the Fens exhibition. 

On Sunday there were two open-air theatre performances by Lamphouse Theatre, organised by Babylon ARTS. With just two actors, their production ‘Suitcase Shakespeare’ brought to life an entire Shakespeare play using only what was in their suitcases. 

Ely Arts Festival Chair, Chris Parsons said “It was fantastic to see so many smiling faces down at Jubilee Gardens across the weekend for our Jubilee Jamboree and Suitcase Shakespeare performances! After such a challenging 15 months for us all we really wanted to bring some cheer to Ely and we hope everyone had a really enjoyable time.” 

Chris continued “All this would not have been possible without the fantastic work of the voluntary committee and our collaboration with Babylon Arts. We’re incredibly grateful for the local companies who have supported the festival ‘Poets House, Silver Oak Coffee, Busy Bee Recruitment and Lovewell Blake. We’re excited about what the future holds for the Ely Arts Festival as part of the exciting cultural offerings throughout the year in this great city!” 

To keep up-to-date about Ely Arts Festival visit their website to sign up to their newsletter. www.elyartsfestival.org.

Press release from Babylon ARTS

 Photo Credit: Andrew Wilkinson

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We’re aware that given the challenges that groups and organisations have faced due to Covid, there may be limitations on the activities you can run or the type of work that you could present. We hope that this years’ festival will provide an opportunity to celebrate some of what has been taking place through the last year and pave the way to bigger and broader festivals in years to come.

In the meantime, if you do have an idea or a firm plan for an event or activity you would like to run this year, please do submit it using the online form by the end of Sunday 11th April.

We plan to review the submissions, talk to you or gather more information about your plans and then make a public announcement about the 2021 festival. For a taste of the events being organised by the festival committee, see below.

As a reminder the dates for this years’ festival are: Saturday 12th June to Sunday 27th June 2021. 

We’re looking for arts events and activities that will take place in Ely or the surrounding villages, during the dates above. Consideration will need to be given to Covid regulations and safety guidance when planning and delivering the event/activity.

Submit your event or activity here: https://www.elyartsfestival.org/be-part-of-the-festival/event-submission-form

Fen Stitch Together – Do more of what makes you happy quilt!
Take part in a large ‘communal quilt’ by sending in completed sewn square (15cm x 15cm) to The Babylon Gallery in Ely. The artwork will weave together positive stories of hope, new found hobbies and experiences and events that you are looking forward to and will be presented at the Spirit of the Fens event on 19th June.

Spirit of the Fens – Saturday 19th June, Ely Cathedral
The Spirit of the Fens event will bring communities together both live and virtually at Ely Cathedral. It will celebrate the creativity that has continued to blossom throughout the Covid pandemic across Ely and the surrounding villages. Featuring live music to accompany dramatic drone footage of Ely Cathedral and the fens and virtual ‘lockdown’ projects from local choirs, dance groups, schools and artists. More info to come!

Saturday 26th June
We plan a family drop-in event in Jubilee Gardens, featuring music and craft activities.

Press release from Ely Arts Festival 2021

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