“Bit of rain, hail and sun –ah to be in Ely on a day like this” was how the city’s mayor Mike Rouse summed up the Eel Day parade on one of his final civic weekends before handing over to a new mayor.

Ely Standard: Eel Day (2019) and the main day, Saturday, included the traditional parade through the city, eel throwing world championships and plenty of family entertainment by the riverside. It was one of the largest crowds in memory for the parade, Picture; MIKE ROUSEEel Day (2019) and the main day, Saturday, included the traditional parade through the city, eel throwing world championships and plenty of family entertainment by the riverside. It was one of the largest crowds in memory for the parade, Picture; MIKE ROUSE (Image: Archant)

"Bit of rain, hail and sun -ah to be in Ely on a day like this" was how the city's mayor Mike Rouse summed up the Eel Day parade on one of his final civic weekends before handing over to a new mayor.

He was right about the weather, of course, and right about the crowd - vast numbers thronged the city centre to witness the parade as it set off from Cross Green through to the river side and Jubilee Gardens.

Ely Standard: Eel Day (2019) and the main day, Saturday, included the traditional parade through the city, eel throwing world championships and plenty of family entertainment by the riverside. It was one of the largest crowds in memory for the parade, Picture; MIKE ROUSEEel Day (2019) and the main day, Saturday, included the traditional parade through the city, eel throwing world championships and plenty of family entertainment by the riverside. It was one of the largest crowds in memory for the parade, Picture; MIKE ROUSE (Image: Archant)

Tourism manager Tracey Harding described it as the "biggest parade to date" and so it was , headed by 150 children with a SambaFest that had been months in preparation thanks to Cambridgeshire Music.

The parade also included many other local organisations and a gathering of town criers who were later to hold their own championships.

Ely Standard: Eel Day (2019) and the main day, Saturday, included the traditional parade through the city, eel throwing world championships and plenty of family entertainment by the riverside. It was one of the largest crowds in memory for the parade, Picture; MIKE ROUSEEel Day (2019) and the main day, Saturday, included the traditional parade through the city, eel throwing world championships and plenty of family entertainment by the riverside. It was one of the largest crowds in memory for the parade, Picture; MIKE ROUSE (Image: Archant)

The weather didn't damper spirits either for the families who were able to enjoy a packed programme of events at the Jubilee Gardens.

And there was a special visit from a children's tv programme that proved popular with young visitors.

Ely Standard: Eel Day (2019) and the main day, Saturday, included the traditional parade through the city, eel throwing world championships and plenty of family entertainment by the riverside. It was one of the largest crowds in memory for the parade, Picture; MIKE ROUSEEel Day (2019) and the main day, Saturday, included the traditional parade through the city, eel throwing world championships and plenty of family entertainment by the riverside. It was one of the largest crowds in memory for the parade, Picture; MIKE ROUSE (Image: Archant)

Ely Standard: Eel Day (2019) and the main day, Saturday, included the traditional parade through the city, eel throwing world championships and plenty of family entertainment by the riverside. It was one of the largest crowds in memory for the parade, Picture; MIKE ROUSEEel Day (2019) and the main day, Saturday, included the traditional parade through the city, eel throwing world championships and plenty of family entertainment by the riverside. It was one of the largest crowds in memory for the parade, Picture; MIKE ROUSE (Image: Archant)

Ely Standard: Eel Day (2019) and the main day, Saturday, included the traditional parade through the city, eel throwing world championships and plenty of family entertainment by the riverside. It was one of the largest crowds in memory for the parade, Picture; MIKE ROUSEEel Day (2019) and the main day, Saturday, included the traditional parade through the city, eel throwing world championships and plenty of family entertainment by the riverside. It was one of the largest crowds in memory for the parade, Picture; MIKE ROUSE (Image: Archant)

Ely Standard: Eel Day (2019) and the main day, Saturday, included the traditional parade through the city, eel throwing world championships and plenty of family entertainment by the riverside. It was one of the largest crowds in memory for the parade, Picture; MIKE ROUSEEel Day (2019) and the main day, Saturday, included the traditional parade through the city, eel throwing world championships and plenty of family entertainment by the riverside. It was one of the largest crowds in memory for the parade, Picture; MIKE ROUSE (Image: Archant)

Ely Standard: Eel Day (2019) and the main day, Saturday, included the traditional parade through the city, eel throwing world championships and plenty of family entertainment by the riverside. It was one of the largest crowds in memory for the parade, Picture; MIKE ROUSEEel Day (2019) and the main day, Saturday, included the traditional parade through the city, eel throwing world championships and plenty of family entertainment by the riverside. It was one of the largest crowds in memory for the parade, Picture; MIKE ROUSE (Image: Archant)

Ely Standard: Eel Day (2019) and the main day, Saturday, included the traditional parade through the city, eel throwing world championships and plenty of family entertainment by the riverside. It was one of the largest crowds in memory for the parade, Picture; MIKE ROUSEEel Day (2019) and the main day, Saturday, included the traditional parade through the city, eel throwing world championships and plenty of family entertainment by the riverside. It was one of the largest crowds in memory for the parade, Picture; MIKE ROUSE (Image: Archant)

Ely Standard: Eel Day (2019) and the main day, Saturday, included the traditional parade through the city, eel throwing world championships and plenty of family entertainment by the riverside. It was one of the largest crowds in memory for the parade, Picture; MIKE ROUSEEel Day (2019) and the main day, Saturday, included the traditional parade through the city, eel throwing world championships and plenty of family entertainment by the riverside. It was one of the largest crowds in memory for the parade, Picture; MIKE ROUSE (Image: Archant)

Ely Standard: Eel Day (2019) and the main day, Saturday, included the traditional parade through the city, eel throwing world championships and plenty of family entertainment by the riverside. It was one of the largest crowds in memory for the parade, Picture; MIKE ROUSEEel Day (2019) and the main day, Saturday, included the traditional parade through the city, eel throwing world championships and plenty of family entertainment by the riverside. It was one of the largest crowds in memory for the parade, Picture; MIKE ROUSE (Image: Archant)

Ely Standard: Eel Day (2019) and the main day, Saturday, included the traditional parade through the city, eel throwing world championships and plenty of family entertainment by the riverside. It was one of the largest crowds in memory for the parade, Picture; MIKE ROUSEEel Day (2019) and the main day, Saturday, included the traditional parade through the city, eel throwing world championships and plenty of family entertainment by the riverside. It was one of the largest crowds in memory for the parade, Picture; MIKE ROUSE (Image: Archant)

Ely Standard: Eel Day (2019) and the main day, Saturday, included the traditional parade through the city, eel throwing world championships and plenty of family entertainment by the riverside. It was one of the largest crowds in memory for the parade, Picture; MIKE ROUSEEel Day (2019) and the main day, Saturday, included the traditional parade through the city, eel throwing world championships and plenty of family entertainment by the riverside. It was one of the largest crowds in memory for the parade, Picture; MIKE ROUSE (Image: Archant)

Ely Standard: Eel Day (2019) and the main day, Saturday, included the traditional parade through the city, eel throwing world championships and plenty of family entertainment by the riverside. It was one of the largest crowds in memory for the parade, Picture; MIKE ROUSEEel Day (2019) and the main day, Saturday, included the traditional parade through the city, eel throwing world championships and plenty of family entertainment by the riverside. It was one of the largest crowds in memory for the parade, Picture; MIKE ROUSE (Image: Archant)

Ely Standard: Eel Day always attracts an ecletic gathering and this year's was no exception. It was a great parade and thousands turned out to see it - and many hundreds took part. Picture; VISIT ELYEel Day always attracts an ecletic gathering and this year's was no exception. It was a great parade and thousands turned out to see it - and many hundreds took part. Picture; VISIT ELY (Image: Archant)

Ely Standard: Eel Day always attracts an ecletic gathering and this year's was no exception. It was a great parade and thousands turned out to see it - and many hundreds took part. Picture; VISIT ELYEel Day always attracts an ecletic gathering and this year's was no exception. It was a great parade and thousands turned out to see it - and many hundreds took part. Picture; VISIT ELY (Image: Archant)

Ely Standard: Eel Day always attracts an ecletic gathering and this year's was no exception. It was a great parade and thousands turned out to see it - and many hundreds took part. Picture; VISIT ELYEel Day always attracts an ecletic gathering and this year's was no exception. It was a great parade and thousands turned out to see it - and many hundreds took part. Picture; VISIT ELY (Image: Archant)

Ely Standard: Eel Day always attracts an ecletic gathering and this year's was no exception. It was a great parade and thousands turned out to see it - and many hundreds took part. Picture; VISIT ELYEel Day always attracts an ecletic gathering and this year's was no exception. It was a great parade and thousands turned out to see it - and many hundreds took part. Picture; VISIT ELY (Image: Archant)

Ely Standard: Eel Day always attracts an ecletic gathering and this year's was no exception. It was a great parade and thousands turned out to see it - and many hundreds took part. Picture; VISIT ELYEel Day always attracts an ecletic gathering and this year's was no exception. It was a great parade and thousands turned out to see it - and many hundreds took part. Picture; VISIT ELY (Image: Archant)

Ely Standard: Eel Day always attracts an ecletic gathering and this year's was no exception. It was a great parade and thousands turned out to see it - and many hundreds took part. Picture; VISIT ELYEel Day always attracts an ecletic gathering and this year's was no exception. It was a great parade and thousands turned out to see it - and many hundreds took part. Picture; VISIT ELY (Image: Archant)

Ely Standard: Eel Day always attracts an ecletic gathering and this year's was no exception. It was a great parade and thousands turned out to see it - and many hundreds took part. Picture; VISIT ELYEel Day always attracts an ecletic gathering and this year's was no exception. It was a great parade and thousands turned out to see it - and many hundreds took part. Picture; VISIT ELY (Image: Archant)

Ely Standard: Eel Day always attracts an ecletic gathering and this year's was no exception. It was a great parade and thousands turned out to see it - and many hundreds took part. Picture; VISIT ELYEel Day always attracts an ecletic gathering and this year's was no exception. It was a great parade and thousands turned out to see it - and many hundreds took part. Picture; VISIT ELY (Image: Archant)

Ely Standard: Eel Day always attracts an ecletic gathering and this year's was no exception. It was a great parade and thousands turned out to see it - and many hundreds took part. Picture; VISIT ELYEel Day always attracts an ecletic gathering and this year's was no exception. It was a great parade and thousands turned out to see it - and many hundreds took part. Picture; VISIT ELY (Image: Archant)

Ely Standard: Eel Day always attracts an ecletic gathering and this year's was no exception. It was a great parade and thousands turned out to see it - and many hundreds took part. Picture; VISIT ELYEel Day always attracts an ecletic gathering and this year's was no exception. It was a great parade and thousands turned out to see it - and many hundreds took part. Picture; VISIT ELY (Image: Archant)

Ely Standard: Eel Day always attracts an ecletic gathering and this year's was no exception. It was a great parade and thousands turned out to see it - and many hundreds took part. Picture; VISIT ELYEel Day always attracts an ecletic gathering and this year's was no exception. It was a great parade and thousands turned out to see it - and many hundreds took part. Picture; VISIT ELY (Image: Archant)

Ely Standard: Eel Day always attracts an ecletic gathering and this year's was no exception. It was a great parade and thousands turned out to see it - and many hundreds took part. Picture; VISIT ELYEel Day always attracts an ecletic gathering and this year's was no exception. It was a great parade and thousands turned out to see it - and many hundreds took part. Picture; VISIT ELY (Image: Archant)

Ely Standard: Eel Day always attracts an ecletic gathering and this year's was no exception. It was a great parade and thousands turned out to see it - and many hundreds took part. Picture; VISIT ELYEel Day always attracts an ecletic gathering and this year's was no exception. It was a great parade and thousands turned out to see it - and many hundreds took part. Picture; VISIT ELY (Image: Archant)

Ely Standard: Eel Day (2019) and the main day, Saturday, included the traditional parade through the city, eel throwing world championships and plenty of family entertainment by the riverside. It was one of the largest crowds in memory for the parade, Picture; MIKE ROUSEEel Day (2019) and the main day, Saturday, included the traditional parade through the city, eel throwing world championships and plenty of family entertainment by the riverside. It was one of the largest crowds in memory for the parade, Picture; MIKE ROUSE (Image: Archant)

Ely Standard: Eel Day (2019) and the main day, Saturday, included the traditional parade through the city, eel throwing world championships and plenty of family entertainment by the riverside. It was one of the largest crowds in memory for the parade, Picture; MIKE ROUSEEel Day (2019) and the main day, Saturday, included the traditional parade through the city, eel throwing world championships and plenty of family entertainment by the riverside. It was one of the largest crowds in memory for the parade, Picture; MIKE ROUSE (Image: Archant)

Ely Standard: Eel Day (2019) and the main day, Saturday, included the traditional parade through the city, eel throwing world championships and plenty of family entertainment by the riverside. It was one of the largest crowds in memory for the parade, Picture; MIKE ROUSEEel Day (2019) and the main day, Saturday, included the traditional parade through the city, eel throwing world championships and plenty of family entertainment by the riverside. It was one of the largest crowds in memory for the parade, Picture; MIKE ROUSE (Image: Archant)

Ely Standard: Eel Day (2019) and the main day, Saturday, included the traditional parade through the city, eel throwing world championships and plenty of family entertainment by the riverside. It was one of the largest crowds in memory for the parade, Picture; MIKE ROUSEEel Day (2019) and the main day, Saturday, included the traditional parade through the city, eel throwing world championships and plenty of family entertainment by the riverside. It was one of the largest crowds in memory for the parade, Picture; MIKE ROUSE (Image: Archant)

Ely Standard: Eel Day (2019) and the main day, Saturday, included the traditional parade through the city, eel throwing world championships and plenty of family entertainment by the riverside. It was one of the largest crowds in memory for the parade, Picture; MIKE ROUSEEel Day (2019) and the main day, Saturday, included the traditional parade through the city, eel throwing world championships and plenty of family entertainment by the riverside. It was one of the largest crowds in memory for the parade, Picture; MIKE ROUSE (Image: Archant)

Ely Standard: Eel Day (2019) and the main day, Saturday, included the traditional parade through the city, eel throwing world championships and plenty of family entertainment by the riverside. It was one of the largest crowds in memory for the parade, Picture; MIKE ROUSEEel Day (2019) and the main day, Saturday, included the traditional parade through the city, eel throwing world championships and plenty of family entertainment by the riverside. It was one of the largest crowds in memory for the parade, Picture; MIKE ROUSE (Image: Archant)

Ely Standard: Eel Day (2019) and the main day, Saturday, included the traditional parade through the city, eel throwing world championships and plenty of family entertainment by the riverside. It was one of the largest crowds in memory for the parade, Picture; MIKE ROUSEEel Day (2019) and the main day, Saturday, included the traditional parade through the city, eel throwing world championships and plenty of family entertainment by the riverside. It was one of the largest crowds in memory for the parade, Picture; MIKE ROUSE (Image: Archant)

Ely Standard: Eel Day (2019) and the main day, Saturday, included the traditional parade through the city, eel throwing world championships and plenty of family entertainment by the riverside. It was one of the largest crowds in memory for the parade, Picture; MIKE ROUSEEel Day (2019) and the main day, Saturday, included the traditional parade through the city, eel throwing world championships and plenty of family entertainment by the riverside. It was one of the largest crowds in memory for the parade, Picture; MIKE ROUSE (Image: Archant)

Ely Standard: Eel Day (2019) and the main day, Saturday, included the traditional parade through the city, eel throwing world championships and plenty of family entertainment by the riverside. It was one of the largest crowds in memory for the parade, Picture; MIKE ROUSEEel Day (2019) and the main day, Saturday, included the traditional parade through the city, eel throwing world championships and plenty of family entertainment by the riverside. It was one of the largest crowds in memory for the parade, Picture; MIKE ROUSE (Image: Archant)

Ely Standard: Eel Day (2019) and the main day, Saturday, included the traditional parade through the city, eel throwing world championships and plenty of family entertainment by the riverside. It was one of the largest crowds in memory for the parade, Picture; MIKE ROUSEEel Day (2019) and the main day, Saturday, included the traditional parade through the city, eel throwing world championships and plenty of family entertainment by the riverside. It was one of the largest crowds in memory for the parade, Picture; MIKE ROUSE (Image: Archant)

Ely Standard: Eel Day (2019) and the main day, Saturday, included the traditional parade through the city, eel throwing world championships and plenty of family entertainment by the riverside. It was one of the largest crowds in memory for the parade, Picture; MIKE ROUSEEel Day (2019) and the main day, Saturday, included the traditional parade through the city, eel throwing world championships and plenty of family entertainment by the riverside. It was one of the largest crowds in memory for the parade, Picture; MIKE ROUSE (Image: Archant)