MORE than 300 families and children joined together to celebrate and explore the upcoming harvest in as messy a way as possible.

Ely Cathedral was taken over for the day by a host of craft and activity zones, with children taking part in model and glider making, light catcher painting, hand bell ringing and turning the handle on an apple press to squeeze fresh juice.

There were puppets, gingerbread men to decorate and eat, and lots of messy painting and sticking areas.

The whole event was drawn to a close after an enormous picnic lunch.

The Diocese of Ely’s children’s work adviser, Julia Chamberlin, said: “As our first Messy Cathedral it was wonderful to see children, with their families and friends, encounter God in such a meaningful way in our cathedral.

“Our Messy Cathedral was a chance for families and churches to see all the potential of Messy Church. It offered new ideas for being church, combining multimedia with simple crafts and play activities. Some of the church leaders present at the event said that they felt inspired and excited at what they could try for themselves.”

Julia also extended her thanks to the team of more than 50 volunteers, who helped make the event a success.