Ely’s Best Loved Quirky Eel Festival is back!

Ely is preparing itself once again for its four day extravaganza to celebrate the origins of the humble eel. Organised by the Visit Ely team, Ely’s Eel Festival Weekend runs from 28th April to 1st May. This year, as always, we see the return of the Eel Food Safari which runs all weekend where a selection of local food outlets provide special dishes inspired by the eel theme.

The Eel Parade kicks off Saturday’s Eel Day with a colourful array of eels processing through Ely’s High Street, down to the river where a whole host of eel related activities take place.  Special highlights include the Town Criers’ Competition and 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?  The full programme of arena events includes music, dancing, a living history encampment and a street food scene (including eels!).

Rounding up the weekend is the ever popular two day Food and Drink Festival where over 75 artisan and specialist food and drink traders will be showcasing their wares.  We have an amazing Street Food Scene, comprising of a range of culinary delights which will tantalise your taste buds with the unusual, yet exquisitely crafted combinations.  We also have a beer tent and cocktail bar with some easy listening live music to enjoy.

This year we welcome into our fabulous Cookery Theatre internationally renowned  chef Theo Randall and current MasterChef’s winner Jane Devonshire who will be demonstrating a variety of dishes alongside some of our much loved local chefs. 

New this year is our Kitchen Pantry on St Mary’s Green with a selection of goodies to help stock your pantry, some handy gadgets and beautiful kitchenware along with a seating area and some scrumptious light bites.

Also the chance to personally meet and greet our celebrity chefs for a Q&A hour plus book signings at our “Audience With” sessions which will be held at Oliver Cromwell’s House.  Check out our website for booking details.

All in all, Ely will make the perfect place for a Spring Bank Holiday visit. For the full Ely Eel Festival programme check out www.elyeelfestival.co.uk