ELY will be celebrating the founding of their city next Saturday with a procession from the river to the shrine of St Etheldreda located in the cathedral. In what has now become an annual event, a procession, starting in Jubilee Gardens at 11.30am, w

ELY will be celebrating the founding of their city next Saturday with a procession from the river to the shrine of St Etheldreda located in the cathedral.

In what has now become an annual event, a procession, starting in Jubilee Gardens at 11.30am, with actors playing the different historic roles, and end with Eltheldreda arriving by boat.

"Had it not been for Queen Etheldreda founding her monastery here in 673AD, Ely would probably have remained a fenland village," said Lesley Ann Thompson from Ely Cathedral. But instead, it is a historic city with a magnificent cathedral of world renown. Etheldreda died on June 23rd 679AD but her legacy lives on.

Come and join the mayor of Ely, the Bishop of Ely, town crier and Ely Waits

See Etheldreda arrive by boat with her father, King Anna

Experience her story in drama and music as we make our way up Cherry Hill to the Cathedral

See and hear about the miracles which happened on her journey.

Light a candle at Etheldreda's Shrine

Watch the Danes invade and the Normans arrive

Meet Hervey , unpopular first Bishop of Ely

See the Eel Catcher deliver live eels to the present Bishop

Come dressed up in medieval clothes or just enjoy the action

"Etheldreda's story makes for a fun event for all the family, yet it still contains spiritual challenges for us today. It will conclude around 12.40pm in the cathedral. For all who wish to stay, it will be followed immediately by a communion service in the Lady Chapel, added Lesley Ann.

INFO: The event takes place on Saturday, June 20 and starts in Jubilee Gardens at 11.30am.

Pic cap: John Talbot as King Anna (Etheldreda's father) and Clare Huntington (John's granddaughter in real life) who will representing Etheldreda.

Photo: SUPPLIED.