Ely Scene

Hello you 👋

First of all, we want to wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! 🎄

It’s our special Christmas & New Year double edition, bringing you two full weeks of what’s on. The festive stretch between Christmas and New Year is almost here, and Ely is making the most of it. From atmospheric cathedral carols and Boxing Day traditions to glittering New Year’s Eve parties and fresh-air walks to kick off 2026, this week blends cosy moments with proper celebrations. Let’s dive in!

🎟️ Events This Week

• 🎹 Christmas Day Evensong - Ely Cathedral

  Experience the stunning sound of the cathedral choir at the Christmas Day Evensong. This traditional service of lessons and carols takes place at 4pm on Thursday 25 December. A truly magical and atmospheric experience.

• 🎉 New Year’s Eve Party – The Cutter Inn

  Say goodbye to 2025 with DJ Jack playing the best tracks from the 80s‑00s, inflatable props and glow sticks. This free entry celebration at The Cutter Inn runs Wednesday 31 December, 9pm – 1am and is strictly 18+ . Tickets are required even though entry is free, so book early and prepare to dance.

• 🎩 New Year’s Eve Party 2025 – The Old Hall Ely

  The Old Hall’s black‑tie party starts on Wednesday 31 December with doors opening at 6:30 pm for a welcome drink and canapés, followed by a three‑course dinner at 7:30pm. Music begins at 9:30 pm and continues until 2am, with a DJ, 360‑video booth and a midnight fizz station. Tickets are £149 per person.

• 🪩 New Year’s Eve Disco – Little Downham Village Hall

  This family‑friendly disco runs Wednesday 31 December from  7pm until 1am. Tickets are £10 for adults and £5 for under-18s, making it an affordable way to see out the year with your nearest and dearest. Whether you’re heading from Ely or outlying villages, this party promises a fun night with dancing, socialising and festive cheer.

• 🍽️ Festive Dining at Amelie – Ben’s Yard, Stuntney

  Amelie restaurant’s three‑course festive menu runs until Saturday 4 January. For £38.50 you’ll enjoy seasonal dishes in the stylish courtyard at Ben’s Yard, with shops and a play area nearby. Ideal for meeting friends or treating the family while sales shopping.

• 🎶 Come & Sing Carols – Ely Cathedral

  Bring your voice to Ely Cathedral on Sunday 28 December for an informal carol sing‑along at 4pm. Participants assemble from 2pm with carol books provided. It’s free and welcomes all ages. It is a wonderful way to keep the Christmas spirit alive.

• 🎻 Come & Play Workshop – Ely Sinfonia

  Dust off your instrument and join Ely Sinfonia’s annual workshop on Sunday 4 January, 9:30am – 5pm. Open to players of grade V or above, this year’s focus is William Walton’s First Symphony. It’s free for members and £25 for guests, with under‑18s free. Places are limited so book early!

• ⛵ Boxing Day Races – Ely Sailing Club

  Blow away the cobwebs on Friday 26 December with two handicap races on the River Great Ouse from 11am – 2pm. Even if you’re not on the water, wrap up and enjoy the spectacle from the riverside.

• 🏰 Christmas in the House – Anglesey Abbey

  Step inside Anglesey Abbey’s Jacobean house, beautifully decorated with traditional foliage, twinkling lights and hidden Snowman toys. The house is open daily 11am – 3.30pm through 4 January (normal admission charges apply). It’s a cosy indoor treat for a winter’s afternoon.

👋 Local and Sponsored Picks

• 🏃‍♂️ Ben’s Yard Parkrun – New Year’s Day, Ben’s Yard, Stuntney

  Start 2026 with a free 5 k run or walk around Ben’s Yard. The parkrun begins at 9am on Thursday 1 January and is organised by volunteers. Register once online then simply turn up; juniors, walkers and buggy‑pushers welcome. Celebrate afterwards with coffee at Amelie.

• 🦢 Floodlit Swan Feed – WWT Welney

  Experience swans by spotlight on Saturday 27 December and Saturday 3 January. Arrive by 6pm for the 6:30pm feed, included in admission. The illuminated lagoon creates a magical atmosphere; bring a flask and feel part of a nature documentary.

• 🚶 Mid‑winter Walk – Roswell Pits

  Join the Wildlife Trust’s Ely Local Group on Monday 29 December, 10am –12.30pm for a guided stroll along the River Great Ouse and Roswell pits. Suggested donations are £3 for members or £5 for non‑members. Bring binoculars and look out for winter birds and mammals.

😊 Good News in 60 Seconds

• 🏡 Soham's 'Christmas House' Shines Bright for Charity
  A Soham couple have once again transformed their home into a dazzling winter wonderland, all in the name of charity. Helen and John Attlesey, whose house is affectionately known by locals as "the Christmas house", have raised an incredible £67,000 for charity since they started their festive display in 2012. The funds raised go to East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices, Great Ormond Street Hospital, and Dreamflight.

• 🎗️ Festive Ball Raises Thousands for Local Cancer Support

  A Christmas ball in aid of the Hunts Community Cancer Network (HCCN) has raised more than £7,300. The inaugural event, held at the Delta Hotels by Marriott in Huntingdon, was a huge success, with guests enjoying an evening of sparkle, song, and sensational generosity. The money raised will help HCCN continue to offer support services to adults living with or beyond a cancer diagnosis in Huntingdonshire.

• 🎵 Sea Shanty Crew reach their 100th Gig

  Isle ’ave a Shanty, a six‑piece group formed in 2019, celebrated their 100th gig with a homecoming concert at The Chequers in Sutton on 9 December. The band, known for lively sea shanties and two successful albums, were presented with a special cake and thanked the local community for their support. They have more local gigs planned for 2026.

Thanks for reading and supporting Ely Scene this year. We really appreciate it. See you in the New Year 🎆