Ely Scene

Hello you 👋

The festive season is truly upon us in Ely this week, with a wonderful mix of community spirit and Christmas sparkle. Get your last-minute gifts at the late-night festive market, or join in the chorus at the Cathedral's free community carol service. For those looking to give back, there are powerful opportunities to support great causes with the Advent Sleepout and the St Mary's Church Christmas Toy Bank. From spooky Dickensian tales to classic bingo nights, there’s something to warm everyone’s heart.

🎟️ Events This Week

• 🎄 Festive Friday Gift & Food Market – Ely Market Place

  On Friday 12 December, 12pm - 7:30pm, wander through a charming late-night Christmas market packed with local makers, artisan gifts, seasonal food and festive treats. With street food sizzling and warm drinks flowing, it’s a cosy way to ease into the weekend and pick up something special. A relaxed, feel-good night that brings the whole community together.

• 🌱 Jack and the Beanstalk – The Maltings

  Join KD Theatre Productions for a giant adventure as Jack and the Beanstalk takes over The Maltings from Friday 12 December to Saturday 4 January. Expect dazzling sets, cheeky jokes and a cast of local youngsters as Jack and Dame Trott try to save the family farm from Giant Blunderbore. Performances include matinees and evening shows and always sell quickly – book soon for this festive family treat!

• 🎶 Community Christmas Carols – Ely Cathedral

  Ely Cathedral invites everyone to sing along at its Community Christmas Carols on Saturday 13 December at 2pm. The Littleport Brass Band leads a joyful afternoon of music, readings and prayers in the Nave. Admission is free and no tickets are required. Bring your best singing voice and share in this heart‑warming community tradition.

• 👠 Rope Heels Flow‑Ho‑Ho – The Pole Shed, Littleport

  Slip into your heels for a festive Friday 12 December, 7:45pm workshop blending rope flow technique with dance and movement. Led by Luke, this 90-minute session builds confidence and coordination in a fun, supportive space. Tickets are £16.63 with VIP Membership subscription or £26.25 pay as you go. Limited spots available.

• 👻 Ghost of a Smile – Littleport Library

  Two eerie Dickens tales get a comic twist when Gavin Robertson and Nicholas Collett bring Ghost of a Smile to Littleport Library on Saturday 13 December at 7pm (doors open 6.40 pm). Suitable for adults and teens aged 12+, this relaxed performance lasts 70 minutes plus an interval, with tickets from £8.50/£5/£4. Expect spooky storytelling, laughs and a cosy library atmosphere.

• 💤 Advent Sleepout – Ely Cathedral

  Spend a night in the Lady Chapel or brave the elements outside at Ely Cathedral’s Advent Sleepout from 10pm on Friday 12 December. Participants raise funds for the Cambridge Churches Homelessness Project and Crisis while experiencing the realities of homelessness. Registration costs £10 adults, £5 for children aged 10+ (young sleepers must be accompanied). Expect simple meals, hot drinks and a powerful sense of purpose.

👋 Local and Sponsored Picks

• 🎁 Christmas Toy Bank – St Mary’s Church

  The community‑run Christmas Toy Bank opens its doors at St Mary’s Church to families in need on Friday 12 December, 3:30pm – 5:30pm and again on Saturday 13 December, 10am –1pm. Volunteers will distribute donated toys to children up to age 15 and offer a warm welcome to anyone struggling to afford presents.

• 🔢 Bingo Night – Stuntney Social Club

  Grab your dabber for a classic Bingo Night at Stuntney Social Club on Friday 12 December, 7pm – 9pm. A book of six games costs £7 and there’s a £3 entry fee, with doors opening at 7pm and eyes down at 7:30pm. Expect friendly faces, a raffle and a well‑stocked bar. Perfect for a sociable start to the weekend.

• 🍺 Who Brewed Beer? – Ely Museum

  Ever wondered who made your pint? Ely Museum’s Who Brewed Beer? exhibition runs daily and continues throughout our newsletter week, charting more than a thousand years of brewing in East Anglia. Learn about Viking ales, sniff the ingredients and discover how local women shaped the industry. The exhibition is included in regular museum admission and runs until 26 April.

😊 Good News in 60 Seconds

• 🏆 Ely Apprentice Named East of England's Best
  Stacey Norwood-Gregory, a 38-year-old from Ely, has been honoured as the East of England's Higher Apprentice of the Year at the prestigious National Apprenticeship and Skills Awards 2025. After completing a Level 4 Hospitality Kitchen Management Apprenticeship, she has risen to the role of general manager at The Plough in Cambridge. Stacey hopes her success, which was chosen from over 1,200 entries nationwide, will inspire others to explore apprenticeship opportunities at any stage of their careers. 1

• 🍽️ Isleham-based Caterer Wins Regional Wedding Industry Award

  Holland Hospitality, operating from Isleham Business Park, has been crowned the regional winner for 'caterer of the year (east of England)' at The Wedding Industry Awards 2026. The company, founded by Calvin Holland, will now advance to the national finals. The award is a significant recognition of the team's hard work and is based on verified customer feedback from the past year.

Cheers for hanging with us. Have an epic week out there 🙌