Celebrate Ely’s eel origins with four fabulous days of quirky eel related fun and entertainment. We are truly honoured this year to share our Eel Celebrations with VE Day 75! Here’s a line-up of what’s on!

Thursday 7th May – Launch of Eel Food Safari and Business Eel Throwing on St Mary’s Green (outside Oliver Cromwell’s House)

Check out Ely’s restaurants, cafés and food venues to see what creative eel twists they have put on their menus for this weekend. A full map will be available on-line for you to choose either your ‘Eel Dish’ or a perhaps a ‘Festival Special’ from one of our fabulous venues!

We will be announcing all participating eateries on our Safari Trail on our website, so keep a look out!

Bank Holiday Friday 8th May – Eel Day, Jubilee Gardens Ely

The annual Eel Day Parade departs at 10.30 am from Cross Green (adjacent to Ely Cathedral).

Ely’s patriotic ‘Ellie the Eel’ will be leading the ‘VE Day/Carnival’ inspired procession down to the Waterside and into Jubilee Gardens where a whole host of activities will be held. Arena events commence following a ‘VE Day’ cry from our Town Crier Avril Hayter.  Dancing, singing, re-enactments and many more acts will follow, some of which will have 1940’s theme!

Special highlight, as always, includes the World Eel Throwing Competition (no eels will be harmed in this competition, just stuffed toys!). Can you beat the World record of over 17 metres? 

Stalls will surround the area, with everything from craft tents, street food scene, bars and even fresh eel (if you fancy). The event will close at 4pm with the results of the longest ‘eel throw’ of the day and the best dressed VE Day shop window.

The Civic Ceremony and further VE Day events will take place at Ely Cathedral from 5pm followed by the lighting of the Peace Beacon on St Mary’s Green at 7pm.

Press release from Visit Ely

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