Ely’s Eel Festival Weekend is a vibrant celebration that pays homage to the city’s historical connection with eels. This unique event brings together the community and visitors for a series of festivities centred around the theme of eels, an important symbol of Ely’s cultural and natural heritage. The festival starts with the colourful Eel Parade, where participants, including local schools and community groups, dress up in eel costumes and march through the city’s streets, creating a lively and entertaining spectacle for all ages.

Throughout the weekend, Ely’s historic centre transforms into a bustling hub of activity. Market stalls line the streets, offering an array of eel-themed foods, crafts, and local produce, allowing attendees to taste and purchase unique items. The festival also features a variety of traditional and contemporary entertainment, including live music performances, dance shows, and storytelling sessions, ensuring that there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Culinary enthusiasts can look forward to eel cooking demonstrations, where they can learn about traditional methods of preparing eels, a delicacy that has been enjoyed in the region for centuries.

One of the festival’s highlights is the traditional eel-throwing competition, a quirky and fun event that attracts participants of all ages. Despite its name, no real eels are harmed in this competition; instead, participants throw specially designed eel-like bags as far as they can. This event not only amuses but also fosters a sense of community spirit and camaraderie among participants and spectators alike. The Ely Eel Festival Weekend is not just a celebration of the city’s eel heritage; it’s a testament to the community’s ability to come together and celebrate their shared history and traditions in a fun and inclusive manner.