Ely Scene

Hello you 👋

Summer’s warmth is in full bloom, painting Ely’s riverside with golden evenings perfect for community gatherings and new adventures. From dazzling 1920s-themed balls to quirky model shows and free family fun, this week offers something for every age and interest. Dive into the local spirit and make unforgettable memories!

🎟️ Events This Week

• 🎩 The Great Gatsby Ball – Ely Cathedral

  On Friday 25 July at 7pm, Ely Cathedral transforms into a 1920s jazz club. Guests in flapper dresses and dapper suits will enjoy a live swing band, cabaret performers and a Gatsby‑era DJ amid art‑deco décor. Only VIP tickets remain at £50.38; the event is 18+.

• 😂 The Best in Comedy – The Maltings

  Seann Walsh tops a four‑comic bill guaranteed to lift the roof. The bar opens Friday 25 July, 7pm; first punch‑line lands at 8pm. Tickets £24.39 Expect razor sharp gags, cheeky crowd work and the odd celebrity rant perfect for a post work wind down with mates.

• 🏀 Free Youth Fusion Event – The Hive

  Young people aged 5 to 18 are invited to take part in a jam-packed day of climbing walls, Korfball, basketball, street art workshops and first aid skills. Free bike repairs add to the fun. Runs Thursday 24 July, 11am – 3pm. Free entry. A vibrant, hands-on celebration of youth, creativity and active summer energy.

• 🎨 Fen Model Show – The Maltings

  A vibrant two-day celebration of miniature painting and scale modelling, packed with displays, friendly competitions and trader stands. Meet fellow hobbyists, show off your work, or just soak it all in. Open Saturday 26 & Sunday 27 July, 10am – 5pm. £10 on the door.

• 🪁 Let’s Go Make a Kite! – Ely Museum

  Kids aged 6–9 can learn the science of flight and build their own kite in this hands-on workshop. Tuesday 29 July, 1:30pm – 3:30pm. Tickets £7 per child (includes all materials; adults free). Morning session sold out—limited spots remain for the afternoon!

• 🎺 Riverside Bandstand Concert – Jubilee Gardens

  Chatteris & Manea Silver Band strikes up brass favourites by the river on Sunday 27 July, 2:30pm – 4:30pm. Free. Pack a picnic rug, grab an ice cream and clap along—kids can dash to the playground while the adults sway to “Sweet Caroline”.

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👋 Local Picks

• 🪶 Tea & Talk: Fur, Fin & Feather Folk – Ely Museum

  Discover how a group of Victorian women kickstarted bird conservation by challenging the feather trade in ladies’ hats. Wednesday 30 July, 2pm. £3.50 with museum entry. Expect bold stories, social change and tea.

• 🏃 Ben’s Yard Parkrun – Stuntney Estate

  A free, timed 5km run/walk every Saturday. Meet to the left of the first car park on the main field for the briefing Saturday 26 July, 8:50am; the start horn blows at 9am. Free but register online once. Dog and buggy friendly, with coffee after for sweaty finishers—ideal for kicking off the weekend.

😊 Good News in 60 Seconds

• 🌸 Cathedral Show Blooms 

  More than 6,000 visitors flocked to Ely Cathedral’s first Home & Garden Show on 11 & 12 July, filling the nave with floral displays and local traders. Organisers have already pencilled in an even bigger edition for 2026, proving Ely’s appetite for community celebrations keeps growing.

• 🏑 Double Cup Glory

  Ely & Chesterton United’s U17 girls' rink hockey team sealed both the NRHA National Cup and the Eastern Counties Cup, crowning a stellar season. Coaches hailed the squad’s teamwork and resilience, while local sponsors pledged continued support for grassroots rink hockey.

Have a wonderful week – see you out there! 🌞