Flower power at the Etheldreda craft and food fayre at Ely

The power of a flower was at an old English event in Ely when the Etheldreda craft and food fair came to the city.

A record £4,500 looks set to have been raised thanks to flower stalls, plants, crafts, clothing and food which were among a celebration of all things traditional in a day which raises money every year for the cathedral choir tour fund.

The Pimm’s and champagne flowed whilst hundreds of visitors enjoyed bacon rolls, afternoon teas and strawberries and cream.

The fair coincides with The Open University degree ceremony day and visitors to the city for the ceremony thoroughly enjoyed the added bonus of the fair.

Ely Cathedral choir has a small tour once a year but every other year has a major tour and the fayre, organised by parents of the choristers, helps to fund the trips.

The English choral tradition is the oldest musical in the western world, and is universally admired for the high standards, said a cathedral spokesman.

Concerts and tours provide extensive opportunities for rehearsal and performances which benefit the choir as much as those who come to listen.

Also, choir tours abroad serve as a positive ambassadorial role, principally as an envoy for the Church of England - the choir is perceived as a representative of its cathedral, its city, its country.

Since 1990 the choir has taken the ‘Ely Sound’ to Rome, Holland, Germany, Belgium, Denmark, Poland, The Czech Republic, The Channel Islands, Gozo and Malta, Canada, Italy and America twice.

A spokesman for the organising committee said the final figure is still being worked on but it looks like a record £4,500 will be raised for the Cathedral Choir Tour Fund which are funded through fundraising by chorister parents.

“The Tour Fund committee would like to thank all volunteers and local businesses who supported the fair and made it such a huge success. Planning for next year is already underway!”