A year-long programme of events, exhibitions and music will take place at Ely Cathedral to mark a 1,350th anniversary. 

Creative storytelling, art, worship events and concerts are also due to happen at the cathedral this year based on the life of St Etheldreda, the founding Abbess of the first abbey of Ely. 

The anniversary celebrations have been organised alongside Visit Ely, Ely Museum and the Stained Glass Museum, who are also hosting various events and activities throughout the year. 

A spokesperson for Ely Cathedral said: “As a Christian place of worship since 673, its heritage and continuity has been present for 1,350 years from which the city of Ely was established and continues to flourish.” 

To mark the anniversary of St Etheldreda, the cathedral welcomed council and religious leaders to the unveiling of a visual interpretation highlighting the four key stages of her life. 

The Right Reverend Stephen Conway, Bishop of Ely and the Rt Revd Dr Dagmar Winter, Bishop of Huntingdon were in attendance.  

Mark Bonney, Dean of Ely and Councillor Richard Morgan, the Right Worshipful Mayor to the City of Ely, also attended. 

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The visual interpretation inside St Etheldreda’s Chapel aims to showcase the key stages of her life, from East Anglian Princess and Queen of Northumbria to Patron Saint of Ely. 

“Having lived a pious life, and retained her virginity through two marriages, Etheldreda was made a saint following numerous accounts of miracles,” an Ely Cathedral spokesperson said.  

“Pilgrims still gather at the shrine of St Etheldreda today.” 

And to mark the occasion, the Archbishop of York will join Ely Cathedral for a diocesan service to recognise St Etheldreda’s Day in June. 

The Etheldreda Fair takes place annually each June having started in the early 1990s. 

For more information on St Etheldreda anniversary events, visit Ely Cathedral’s website.