Video & Gallery: Hundreds of people enjoy annual Eel Day
Hundreds of people basked in the May sunshine to enjoy Ely s annual Eel Day celebrations over the bank holiday weekend. The event was launched on Saturday morning with a procession that included the visiting town criers and Ely Samba Band, which wound it
Hundreds of people basked in the May sunshine to enjoy Ely's annual Eel Day celebrations over the bank holiday weekend.
The event was launched on Saturday morning with a procession that included the visiting town criers and Ely Samba Band, which wound its way through the city to Jubilee Gardens where a day-long festival was held.
Activities and entertainment included, eel tasting, folk music, pottery-making workshops, music and dancing, Viking encampment and re-enactments, historical displays, games, craft and food stalls.
The winner of the Ely Standard's/ Star Radio Cry for Ely competition was: Siobhan Branagh of Ely.
See the winning Cry below.
Tracey Harding, tourism team leader for East Cambridgeshire District Council said: "The day is all about celebrating Ely's culture and traditions and encouraging awareness and use of the Eel Trail. This year, Ely Day was part of a whole weekend of entertainment, which we hope will continue to grow each year.
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The winning cry
Oyez, Oyez, Oyez
Ladies and Gentlemen, boys and girls,
Welcome to our famous Eel Day, which celebrates this fine city and its history
In praise of the ancient Isle of Ely, today I proclaim a short poem of its features for your enjoyment:
A saintly Queen, Etheldreda by name,
built a holy house high in the Fens
What you see today replaces her hall
Did you only look through a lens?
An ancient motte and bailey stood
on what is now called Cherry Hill
And when it snows the sleds come out
from which the children spill
The wooden lantern shines a light
and reaches to the sky
The old school now allows in girls
In the choir their voices soar high
Our market days have changed a bit
Though they still sell food and craft
You can buy an ostrich burger I hear
But not an egg on a raft
The Jubilee Gardens is a place loved by all
and where the people meet
When the weather is fine the grass it is soft
And the ducks get plenty to eat.
God Bless The Queen
