Delicious dishes and celebrity masterclasses at Ely Food and Drink Festival

A delicious array of culinary delights and celebrity masterclasses cooked up a storm at Ely’s Food and Drink Festival.

It was the sixth year for the popular event which saw thousands of budding bakers and cooks taste treats from more than 75 artisan and specialist food and drink traders.

Award-winning chef and restaurateur Aldo Zilli also showcased some the best Italian recipes in a live cookery masterclass.

Ely Standard: Ely Food and Drink Festival, part of Ely Eel Festival 2019, attracted large crowds over two days. There were tasting demonstrations, live cookery demonstrations and many of the city’s restaurants put on special menus for visitors. Picture: VISIT ELY Ely Food and Drink Festival, part of Ely Eel Festival 2019, attracted large crowds over two days. There were tasting demonstrations, live cookery demonstrations and many of the city’s restaurants put on special menus for visitors. Picture: VISIT ELY (Image: Archant)

"It was such a pleasure to work with the traders, sponsors and celebrities," Ely tourism manager, Tracey Harding, said.

"We had an amazing turnout of people across the weekend which was a real boost for the city and shops as a whole."

One of the crowd-drawing highlights of the day was food historian Dr Sue's rendition of the late Fanny Craddock.

Donning her elegantly eccentric outfit, she demonstrated her 1960s cookery skills by creating an Eel shaped cake.

"It added a real flamboyancy and she was a delight to watch," Tracey added.

"Perfect for people who didn't remember Fanny Craddock and a great treat for those who did."

This year, the festival also had a healthy twist with nutritionists from TV series such as 'How to Lose Weight Well', 'Eat Well for Less' and 'Sugar Free Farm' taking to the stage.

The festival formed part of Ely's Eel Festival weekend on Sunday May 5 and Bank Holiday Monday May 6.

There may have been a nod to health conscious meal ideas at this year's Food and Drink Festival - but plenty of naughty and nice treats were also on offer.

The Street Food Scene had a range of culinary delights to tantalise taste buds with unusual, yet exquisitely crafted combinations.

Traders included Feisty Tapas, Wholefood Warrior and Chet and Waveney Valley Vineyard.

Local chefs and artisan producers showcased wine tasting and a fresh take on British herbs with several fish dishes.

The Kitchen Pantry on St Mary's Green had a selection of goodies to help keep the cupboards stocked up, some handy gadgets and beautiful kitchenware.

"We couldn't hold such a fabulous few days without the support of our sponsors - it was a real team effort," Tracey added.

"The wonderful atmosphere spread throughout the whole of the city which is really important."

The festival also had its very own ice cream created by a four-year-old girl, Rose, who won a competition with main sponsor Cambridge Commodities.

She came up with a rose fondant and dark chocolate combination.

Sponsors included Fraser Dawbarns, Tucker Gardner and TLC Inns.

Ely Standard: Ely Food and Drink Festival, part of Ely Eel Festival 2019, attracted large crowds over two days. There were tasting demonstrations, live cookery demonstrations and many of the city’s restaurants put on special menus for visitors. Picture: MIKE ROUSE Ely Food and Drink Festival, part of Ely Eel Festival 2019, attracted large crowds over two days. There were tasting demonstrations, live cookery demonstrations and many of the city’s restaurants put on special menus for visitors. Picture: MIKE ROUSE (Image: Archant)