Ely's Eel Day
EELS, eels and more eels will be the flavour of the day on Saturday 30th April for Ely's Annual Eel Day. Starting at 11.30 am on Cross Green (adjacent to the Cathedral) Ely's very own "Ellie the Eel" will be heading the procession along part of the Eel Trail Heritage Walk. A Samba band along with local dancers will add sound to the colourful eel costumes as the anticipated hundreds follow the trail around the streets of Ely. Everyone is welcome to join in.
The procession will end in Jubilee Gardens by the riverside where a whole host of eel related activities will be held. Along with a programme of musical performances throughout the afternoon, we have two themed theatre show performances for the young ones and a chance to have a go at the potter's wheel and make a pinch pot, just like the ones excavated in the gardens during the Time Team dig. Ely Museum and the University of Cambridge Archaeology Department will be on hand to tell you all about the finds from this televised dig and the importance of eels to Ely in the olden days.
Experience life in years gone past with a living encampment showing the trades and wares of the time. Children have the chance to try on period costumes and play period games. Free samples of smoked and jellied eels will be on offer with other more conventional forms of food on sale including a hog roast washed down with Eel Catcher's local brew!
For further information about the day, contact Tracey Harding, Tourism and Events Officer at East Cambridgeshire District Council on 01353 616377.