Ely Scene

Hello you 👋

Lanterns, laughs and a little bit of lightning in the sky this week. Dip into Halloween fun (spooky golf, museum makes and a disco at The Maltings), then look up as fireworks light Cherry Hill Park. Mix in story-packed cathedral tours, a free 5k at Ben’s Yard and the Newmarket Sausage Festival for a proper half-term glow

🎟️ Events This Week

• 🎆 Ely Fireworks 2025 – Cherry Hill Park
  Expect one of the region’s brightest nights as Cherry Hill Park comes alive on Saturday 1 November, with gates opening at 5 pm and the display at 7pm. Grab advance tickets (£8 adults, £4 children, £20 family). Enjoy funfair rides and food stalls and watch a spectacular musical fireworks show erupt over Ely’s skyline. It’s always popular, so arrive early and wrap up warm.

• 🎸 Let There B/DC (AC/DC Tribute) – The Maltings

  This high‑energy AC/DC tribute band electrifies the Maltings on Friday 31 October, with doors at 7 pm and tickets from £26.44. Expect note‑perfect renditions of Back in Black and Highway to Hell, blistering guitar solos and plenty of head‑banging. It’s a chance to rock out by the riverside without travelling far – booking early is advised as tribute nights often sell out.

• 🧙‍♀️ Witches’ Brew – Ely Museum 

  Families can celebrate Halloween at Ely Museum on Thursday 30 October. From 10:30am – 4pm, children complete spooky challenges around the museum to collect ingredients and help stir a bubbling witch’s cauldron. The fun day is included with normal admission or a valid annual pass.

• ⛳ Family Fright Night – Spooky Golf, Twenty Pence Garden Centre

  Tee off on a ghoulishly decorated crazy‑golf course on Thursday 30 October from 4:30pm – 7pm. Tickets are £5 per person or £15 for a family of four, and booking (call 01353 741024) is essential because this event sells out every year. Brave the haunted holes and enjoy a spooky evening at Twenty Pence Garden Centre.

• 🕺 Boogie Nights Halloween – The Maltings

  Dig out your best retro outfit for The Maltings’ Halloween party on Saturday 1 November, kicking off at 7:30pm. DJs spin dance classics from the 70s, 80s & 90s, glow sticks and spooky inflatables fill the room and there are prizes for fancy dress. Tickets start at £8.50 (group of four £30). It’s an adults‑only evening of disco fun on the waterfront.

• 🌭 Newmarket Sausage Festival - Market Square, Newmarket

  Celebrate the famous Newmarket sausage at this annual festival on Saturday 1 November from 10am - 2pm on Market Square. Browse stalls packed with local produce, enjoy tastings, and don't miss the sausage dog competition that brings smiles to all ages. Entry is free, and it's a perfect morning out for foodies and families alike.

👋 Local and Sponsored Picks

• 👑 In Search of Ely Cathedral’s Women – Ely Cathedral

  This thought‑provoking tour on Thursday 30 October (2pm) and Saturday 1 November (12:30pm) uncovers the hidden stories of the women who shaped Ely over the centuries. Guides reveal tales of Anglo‑Saxon queens, grieving widows and talented artists. Tickets are £5 plus admission and it’s suitable for ages 16+. A fascinating angle on local history.

• 🏃 Ben's Yard parkrun - Ben's Yard, Ely

  Kick off your Saturday morning with a free, friendly 5k at Ben's Yard parkrun on Saturday 1 November at 9am. Whether you walk, jog, run, volunteer, or simply spectate, you're welcome to join the community as they wind through the beautiful Stuntney Estate. It's a wonderful way to start the weekend, get some fresh air, and connect with fellow runners of all ages and abilities.

😊 Good News in 60 Seconds

• 🏆 Cambridgeshire Campaigner Wins Prestigious Health Award

  Kath Sansom, founder of the Sling The Mesh campaign, has been honoured with the HealthSense UK Annual Award, a prestigious accolade typically reserved for career academics and health professionals. Presented by former BBC Crimewatch host Nick Ross at the Royal Society of Medicine in London on 22 October, the award celebrates Kath's tireless dedication to raising public health awareness and her campaign's significant impact on patient safety and regulation. Her grassroots advocacy has led to the suspension of one type of surgical mesh, reclassification of devices, and the creation of the NHS Pelvic Floor Registry, proving that lived experience and community action can drive meaningful change.

• 🥇 King's Ely Students Triumph at Cross Country Cup

  Twenty‑three talented runners from King's Ely delivered outstanding performances at the English Schools' Athletics Association's Cross Country Cup on 17 October at The Perse School in Cambridge. Three out of four teams qualified for the regional round, with the Intermediate Boys and Intermediate Girls both taking first place, and the Junior Girls securing second. The teamwork, determination, and speed on display were truly impressive, and the qualified teams will compete at Cokethorpe School in Oxfordshire on 4 November. A huge well done to all the athletes who represented King's with such pride and passion.

Appreciate you being here. Have an epic week in our backyard ✨