Aquafest 2017 is largest and best ever with crowd of 10,000 enjoying the sunshine, re-enactments and raft races

Ely Rotary’s Aquafest this year was undoubtedly the largest ever - and one of the best - with an estimated crowd of around 10,000 people enjoying yesterday’s near-perfect weather.

Top of the bill at the arena was the Vikings re-enactment act, with the Vikings continually “fighting”, and bodies lying all over the place.

Eric Grant, rotary club secretary, said: “After their main re-enactments small children were invited to join them, being handed out all sorts of weapons, and they brought screams of laughter from the considerable crowd; with five groups assembled to join in.

“Another act was Harriett Maddox, who enticed a huge following with her popular songs, finishing with the incredible Glen Miller rendering of “Boogie Woogie bugle boy of Company B”.

“And, amongst others, the Energy Fitness for Women group – who were not listed with the performers on the programme – demonstrated how ladies in particular can keep trim.

“Results of the raft races were: First prize for category A fastest single-hulled craft went to Thor Labs; first for fastest Category B craft was by JDR Cables of Littleport, who also attracted the Mayor’s Buoyant Business award; and first for best-decorated craft went to Spring Meadow school in High Barns.

“The scouts, as usual, had their own races across the river, and the overall winner was 3rd Ely Scouts.

“A new water attraction was the Hannams Wake Hub, which involved a team of wake-boarders flying over a ramp built in the river. Another exciting event.

“Overall, Aquafest 2017 could be described as a fantastic day for Ely, with a record number of stalls and some incredible acts.”