In pictures: Biggest parade yet for special Ely Eel Festival

This year’s Ely’s Eel Festival Weekend (3-5 May) was more than just an annual tradition – as the popular event also included VE Day celebrations, commemorating 80 years since the end of the Second World War in Europe.

With a wide range of food vendors and traders, plus an impressive entertainment programme, the festival included the ever-popular Eel Parade from Cross Green down to the Riverside ahead of the rest of the festivities for Eel Day (3 May).

On the Sunday and the Monday (4-5 May), the celebrations moved up to Palace and Cross Green, where more than 70 stalls offered a range of artisan food and crafts.

Anna Bennett, tourism and town centre manager, Visit Ely, said the three-day event went “very, very well”.

“It’s been phenomenal,” she said. “We’ve had the biggest parade probably ever. We’ve had probably about 6,000 or 7,000 people.

“We had Charlotte Cane, the MP, joining the parade, the World War II jeeps to start the parade, the eels, the Scouts – it was fantastic.

“And then we had two full days of food, drink and crafts. On Sunday, we had The Knightingales – a 1940s vocal trio group – come and sing to commemorate VE Day 80.

“That was really good and kicked off our celebrations for this week – we’ve got a big day on Thursday.”

A beacon lighting ceremony will be held on St Mary’s Green in Ely at 9.30pm on Thursday (8 May).

“We’re just so pleased with the turnout; it’s been windy but we haven’t lost any gazebos or eels! We’re all very tired but it’s gone well, with an exceptional turnout,” added Anna.

In addition to the beacon lighting, there will also be an entire programme of events including services of thanksgiving and celebration.

Ely will once again be celebrating Armed Forces Day, on 21 June, with another event with some special guests and a focus on VE Day 80.