CORONATION EEL FESTIVAL 2023
April 24, 2023
Spring is in the air and for Ely that is the signal that the ever popular, unique Eel Festival is just around the corner. This year is special for two reasons. For the first time since before the pandemic the Food, Drink and Craft Fayre is returning to being a two-day event meaning that for three whole days Ely is celebrating! The invaluable City of Ely Estates team are at the ready to hang the bunting and our shops have been briefed to decorate their windows with all things regal!
Not only are we celebrating Eels but also the Coronation of King Charles III by theming the entire weekend around this historic moment. Even the Eel will have a crown as it parades down Ely High Street!
Ely’s Coronation Eel Day will take place on Saturday 29th April beginning with the Eel Parade which will depart from Cross Green at 10.30am, the parade will wiggle its way down Forehill, via the Riverside before arriving at Jubilee Gardens for 11am to begin the festivities.
Once the parade arrives, it’s participants will be greeted by a wonderful range of food and drink sellers, crafters, community groups and more! There is also a full programme of entertainment in our Eel Arena too, right though until 4pm.
Once Saturday’s excitement finishes, it’s time to look to the Sunday and Bank Holiday Monday. The incredible range of sights and smells, tastes and experiences await you. The Coronation Food, Drink and Craft Fayre will take place on Palace Green and St Mary’s Green. With over 70 traders offering a huge range of street food, artisan produce and incredible craft, the excitement to see this event return to its traditional two-day nature is truly lifting.
Our final event to round off the Coronation is the Beacon Lighting which takes place on St Mary’s Green May 6th from 7pm. We are working with St Mary’s Church we can mark this historical moment.
Anna Bennett, Tourism and Town Centre Manager, said “We are thrilled to bring the Eel Festival weekend back to its much-loved three-day format. It’s been an incredible journey bringing this much-loved event back to its full form. With musical entertainment over all three days, wonderful street food, remarkable traders and that fabulous atmosphere that has made these events such a big part of the Ely calendar, this promises to be a jewel in the crown of the year!”
Anna further commented ‘We would also like to thank all our sponsors for supporting these community events, without them the events, and the support of the City of Ely Council, these memorable occasions would not go ahead’
Our sponsors for 2023 are Urban Fresh Ely, The Cutter Ely, Riverside Bar and Kitchen, Grovemere Property and Lovewell Blake and Warren Access
Ely’s Coronation Eel Day takes place on 29th April 2023 from 11am until 5pm on Jubilee Gardens followed by Ely’s Coronation Food, Drink and Craft Fayre taking place on Palace Green and St Mary’s Green from 10.30am until 5,30pm on April 30th and May 1st 2023.
Further information is available at www.visitely.org.uk and our social media channels