An Ely-based arts charity has launched an appeal to raise funds to help save parade mascot Ellie the Eel.

Ely Standard: Ely-based arts charity has launched an appeal to raise funds to help save parade mascot Ellie the Eel. Picture: MIKE ROUSEEly-based arts charity has launched an appeal to raise funds to help save parade mascot Ellie the Eel. Picture: MIKE ROUSE (Image: Mike Rouse)

Babylon Arts say that without raising vital funds it may not be possible to bring Ellie back to life at the 15th Eel Day parade in 2019.

Ellie has made an appearance at every Eel Day for the past 14 years.

But each year the costs around making, organising, storing and repairs must be covered.

Therefore, Babylon has joined forces with the #GivingTuesday movement to encourage people in Cambridgeshire to help with covering Ellie’s costs.

Ely Standard: Ely-based arts charity has launched an appeal to raise funds to help save parade mascot Ellie the Eel. Picture: MIKE ROUSEEly-based arts charity has launched an appeal to raise funds to help save parade mascot Ellie the Eel. Picture: MIKE ROUSE (Image: Mike Rouse)

“Each year Ellie needs a little TLC but this takes a bit of money. This year we want to run free workshops for local children, families and seniors, all working together to create a fantastic spectacle for the Eel Day parade in 2019,” said Florence Tong, Babylon ARTS.

“In 2019 will be the 15th Eel Day Parade, and without raising vital funds it won’t be possible to bring Ellie back to life.

“We’re launching an appeal as part of the Big Give which means that every £1 donated by the public will be matched by a £1 through the Big Give.

“To help us reach our target we need local residents, businesses and organisations to make a donation online.”

Ely Standard: Ely-based arts charity has launched an appeal to raise funds to help save parade mascot Ellie the Eel. Picture: MIKE ROUSEEly-based arts charity has launched an appeal to raise funds to help save parade mascot Ellie the Eel. Picture: MIKE ROUSE (Image: Mike Rouse)

Donations made to the appeal between November 27 to December 4 2018 will be worth twice as much as their original value.

For seven days only, donations made online to Ellie the Eel will be doubled through the Big Give platform.

The Ellie the Eel Christmas Appeal kicks off on November 27 at 12 noon and runs until December 4.

Donations can be made online at https://secure.thebiggive.org.uk/project/ellie

More details to come on the Babylon ARTS website and social media channels www.babylonarts.org.uk

Ellie was named by the students who made the very first eel which headed the parade back in 2004. New eels have joined since.

The first Eel Day took place on Saturday April 3 2004.

Visit Ely and ADeC - now known as Babylon Arts - worked together to launch the city’s Eel Trail and decided that an Eel Parade should also be set up.