JULY

Pride in Ely 2023 was bigger and better than ever with inclusive celebrations across Ely celebrating all things LGBTQIA+.  

The event also had on-site trans changing rooms, BSL interpreters on stage, and Pride in Ely’s first ever Drag King.  

Awards were given to those in the local community who uphold the values of Pride, including the Rainbow Eel award.  

Ely Standard: Pride in Ely 2023 was bigger and better than ever with inclusive celebrations across Ely.Pride in Ely 2023 was bigger and better than ever with inclusive celebrations across Ely. (Image: Sharon Powell)

Jo and Andy Chatwick of PositivEly Magikal were awarded The Mike Rouse Ally Award.  

The first Sutton Beast Big Colour Blast was held on July 16 with 260 people taking part.  

Runners were motivated with music as they made their way through the colourful obstacle course, armed with powered paint to throw as they pleased.  

Ely Standard: The first Sutton Beast Big Colour Blast was held on July 16 with 260 people taking part. The first Sutton Beast Big Colour Blast was held on July 16 with 260 people taking part. (Image: Jane Green)

Ely Folk Festival was another big success, with not even the weather being able to dampen the festival-goers spirits.  

The joyous event hosted incredible music across three stages, family and pet friendly activities, morris dancers, and even a late night ceilidh.  

The Mayor of Ely, Cllr Chris Philips, and his mayoress, Mary Rone, even stopped by to enjoy the event and award a prize in the children’s parade.  

Ely Standard: Ely Folk Festival was another big success, with not even the weather being able to dampen the festival-goers spirits. Ely Folk Festival was another big success, with not even the weather being able to dampen the festival-goers spirits. (Image: Ely Folk Festival)

AUGUST

Ely Country Park and Jubilee Gardens were both celebrated during a national ceremony. They were both given the prestigious Green Flag award which is given to parks and green spaces which are free and open for everyone to enjoy while maintaining strict standards and excellence in visitor facilities.  

Ely Standard: Ely Country Park and Jubilee Gardens were both celebrated during a national ceremony.Ely Country Park and Jubilee Gardens were both celebrated during a national ceremony. (Image: ECDC)

Year 11 Students across Cambridgeshire celebrated their exam results after months of waiting.  

Ely Standard: Year 11 Students across Cambridgeshire celebrated their exam results.Year 11 Students across Cambridgeshire celebrated their exam results. (Image: Astrea Trust)

A community came together to build an accessibility ramp which will allow residents to access fitness studio FRESH, in Ely.  

The community managed to raise over £4,000 for the ramp, far less than an original quote. But Ely Carpentry & Construction came to the rescue and offered to build the ramp with whatever had been raised, giving their labour for free and footing the bill for anything that may have taken things over budget.  

Ely Standard: A community came together to build an accessibility ramp which allows residents to access fitness studio FRESH, in Ely. A community came together to build an accessibility ramp which allows residents to access fitness studio FRESH, in Ely. (Image: FRESH)

SEPTEMBER

East Cambridgeshire District Council (ECDC) welcomed a decision by the Greater Cambridge Partnership Executive Board not to back plans for a congestion charge, after urging the board not to go ahead with the charge. 

Ely Standard: East Cambridgeshire District Council (ECDC) welcomed a decision by the Greater Cambridge Partnership Executive Board not to back plans for a congestion charge.East Cambridgeshire District Council (ECDC) welcomed a decision by the Greater Cambridge Partnership Executive Board not to back plans for a congestion charge. (Image: LDR)

Littleport Women’s Institute Group celebrated their 101st birthday. 

The women of Littleport Village celebrated both the group's big birthday, and the birthday of member Pauline.  

The occasion was marked with songs, cake, tea, and celebration. 

Community celebration and congratulations were in full effect as the Ely Hero Awards announced their 11 new Ely winners.  

Ely Standard: Community celebration and congratulations were in full effect as the Ely Hero Awards announced their 11 new Ely winners. Community celebration and congratulations were in full effect as the Ely Hero Awards announced their 11 new Ely winners. (Image: Studio Nova)