Ely Scene

2 October – 8 October 2025

October 02, 2025

Hello you 👋

Crisp October nights, big names and proper community vibes. This week brings Ben Elton with Dame Emma Thompson, comedy from Angry Boater, disco swagger with the UK Bee Gees, a free rummage at the Ely Record Fair, and a family Community Day in Soham. Add Runfest on Sunday, a serene cathedral lunchtime recital, and a smartphones & childhood parents’ session and you’ve got something for every mood.

🎟️ Events This Week

  • 📚 Ben Elton with Dame Emma Thompson - Ely Cathedral
    Comedy legend Ben Elton sits down with Dame Emma Thompson on Tuesday 7 October at 7:30pm to discuss his candid new memoir. Expect outrageous anecdotes from his life in theatre, television and stand‑up, plus reflections on his creative process. Tickets are £25 and include entry plus a copy of his book. A rare chance to hear two icons in conversation.

  • 🏃 Ely Tri Club Runfest 2025 - Palace Green, Ely

    Lace up for a spectacular running festival on Sunday 5 October. Starting and finishing at Ely Cathedral, the Runfest features 10km, half‑marathon, marathon and 66 km ultra distances winding through the city and Fenland countryside. Quiet paths along the Ouse and Cam make it a scenic challenge, with water stations and a medal for every finisher. Entry fees vary by distance.

  • 💿 Ely Record Fair – The Maltings

    Flip through crates of vinyl, CDs and music memorabilia at this pop‑up fair on Saturday 4 October, 10am – 3pm. Dealers from across the region bring rare pressings and bargain finds to The Maltings. Entry is free, so whether you’re a serious collector or just nostalgic for your youth, there’s plenty to browse. Bring cash and your wish list!

  • ⚽ Community Day – Soham Town Rangers FC, Julius Martin Lane

    A big family afternoon alongside the first-team match v Woodbridge Town, with Football Fun Factory games, music from Soham Brass Band, a half-time performance by Vogue Athletics, stalls, kids’ activities and a meet-and-greet with Stitch. Saturday 4 October, 1:30pm – 5:30pm. Tickets £5 (16+); under-16s free. Bring the whole crew for a lively community get-together.

  • 🕺 The UK Bee Gees - The Maltings

    On Friday 3 October, doors 6:45pm, the UK’s top Bee Gees tribute band recreates the look, feel and falsettos of the Gibb brothers. From You Should Be Dancing to How Deep Is Your Love, expect a full stage show with three part harmonies and disco swagger. Tickets are £29.81. Slip on your platforms and boogie down by the riverside.

  • 😂 Angry Boater Live – The Maltings

    Stand‑up comic Joel Sanders (a former Las Vegas headliner turned narrowboat dweller) brings his tales of life afloat to Ely on Thursday 2 October, 7:30pm - 10pm. Expect witty stories about exploding toilets, swan attacks and the quirks of Britain’s waterways. Tickets are £15 and strictly 18+. Gather your crew for a quirky night of laughs and canal‑life confessions.

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👋 Local and Sponsored Picks

  • 🐩 Chloë’s Dog Grooming – Littleport (Sponsored)

    Curl up by the fire with your pup and dive into Chloë’s latest seasonal newsletter here. It’s packed with before‑and‑after photos and an exclusive half price offer for new clients! Based in Littleport, this City & Guilds qualified groomer specialises in hand stripping, luxury Spa Dog Pro Hydrobath wash-and-blow dry sessions and bespoke pampering. Live booking is available online here.

  • 📱 Kids and Smartphones: Information Evening for Parents - Ely St John’s Community Primary School

    Worried about screen time, first phones or group chats? Join Cambridgeshire’s Lead for Smartphone Free Childhood, Amy Ruffell, for an open, honest and non-judgemental discussion on Wednesday 8 October, 7:30pm. Share experiences, pick up practical tips, and connect with other parents in a supportive setting. It’s free and everyone’s welcome.

  • 🎻 Lunchtime Recital – Ely Cathedral
    Take a mid‑day pause on Thursday 2 October at 1:10pm as violinist Hazel Keelan and violist Lucy Prichard join the Ely Music Collective to perform Mozart’s Sinfonia Concertante and Bach’s Brandenburg Concerto No. 3. It’s a free‑spirited family affair where mother and daughter play together under the cathedral’s soaring arches. Entry is via the Cathedral visitor ticket or pass. Treat yourself to a serene musical interlude.

😊 Good News in 60 Seconds

  • 🎓 King's Ely Students Achieve Outstanding University Places

    King's Ely Sixth Form students are celebrating exceptional achievements with 92% securing immediate places at their first-choice universities. Ruby will study History and International Relations at Oxford Brookes University after achieving her required A-Level grades, with dreams of working for UNICEF focusing on human rights and humanitarian aid. Meanwhile, Year 10 student Joseph Robinson has achieved remarkable sailing success, reflecting the school's commitment to nurturing talent across academics and sports.

  • 🌱 Environmental Champion Recognised for Sustainability Work

    Silvana Marceca won the Environmental Champion award at the Ely Hero Awards for her dedicated work promoting soil regeneration, organic growing and biodiversity in the Ely community. Her efforts inspire action and hope for a more sustainable future, demonstrating how individual commitment can make a meaningful difference to environmental conservation. The recognition highlights the growing importance of grassroots environmental initiatives in creating positive change for local communities.

Enjoy every moment and celebrate what makes the Fens so wonderful 🌟