Christmas Gift & Food Fair at Ely Cathedral set to be a sell-out

Ticket sales for this year’s Christmas Gift & Food Fair at Ely Cathedral have taken staff by surprise with some sessions already sold out.

Following two years of uncertainty, cancellations and extra precautions due to Covid, this popular event is back with some new developments.

The festive village in the cathedral grounds has expanded to host more than 75 outside exhibitors and around 50 food vendors. Decorated with festoon lights and the vintage carousel, the outside areas in the grounds will complement the main event located inside the cathedral.

Joss Palmer, event manager at Ely Cathedral, said: “We have expanded the outdoor areas to ensure those who were unable to get tickets to the main event inside the building can still come and experience the fair, do some shopping and enjoy all the tasty treats from food vendors.

“This event has been running for eight years and for many it is a picture-perfect start to the festive season. Obviously visitor wellbeing is a major consideration so we have several measures in place, including plenty of lighting and limiting tickets to access the exhibitors inside the building, to ensure everyone is safe and comfortable and can focus on enjoying themselves.”

The beautifully restored Victorian carousel will be located on the cathedral green, while the festive food village will host a selection of gourmet artisan food and drink vendors, including The Little Mobile Bar, Norfolk Hog Roast, Bijou Bebidas, Bitesize Bakehouse, New York Delhi, and Chocolate Chocolate.

[Read more: Food, fun and gifts aplenty at Ely Cathedral’s festive fair]

It is worth noting that remaining tickets for the main event inside the cathedral are limited, and, while the Thursday morning and Saturday afternoon sessions are completely sold out, other sessions are still available but need to be booked online.

A full list of exhibitors and stallholders is available on the cathedral’s website. The event runs from November 17-19.