Hundreds sign up to benefit from Ely Cathedral’s extended ‘free-pass’ scheme
Ely Cathedral - Credit: Archant
Ely Cathedral is set to extend its free pass scheme to thousands of people.
Visitors signs up for free passes at Ely Cathedral - Credit: Archant
Anyone living within the CB6 and CB7 post code will now be entitled to a free residents pass allowing unlimited entry to Ely Cathedral at any time the building is open to the public.
Anyone wishing to apply for a residents pass will need to bring a document showing proof of residency in the form of a utility bill or driving license.
The pass is valid for two years before it will need to be renewed.
At an open day held at the cathedral on Saturday, some 700 passes were issued and 1,000 visitors dropped in to enjoy some Easter activities, including an Easter egg hunt for children.
Canon Alan Hargrave said: “The huge cost of maintaining the building, worship and mission of Ely Cathedral – around £6,000 a day - means that, sadly, we have to make an admissions charge to help pay the bills.
“We do, however, want to make the cathedral freely accessible to local people. We already have in place a free pass scheme for Ely residents and church goers in the Diocese of Ely.
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“However, we are now able to extend this to all of those living in CB6 and CB7 area. “This means that people from the nearby towns and villages who regularly come into Ely to shop will be able also to enjoy the Cathedral free of charge at any time the building is open.”
More information about the event can be found on the cathedral’s website – www.elycathedral.org
