Ely Scene

Hello you 👋

Crisp October vibes and a full harvest weekend ahead. Ely’s Apple and Harvest Fayre spills across Palace and Cross Green, the Cathedral celebrates Farming the Fens, and Saturday offers a rousing sea shanty matinee from The Sheringham Shantymen. Add the Earth Photo trail at Anglesey Abbey and a free EEAST heart training session on Monday and you are set for a great week.

🎟️ Events This Week

• 🍏 Ely’s Apple & Harvest Fayre – Palace Green
  Across Palace Green and Cross Green outside the cathedral, the city’s beloved Apple Day returns as a two‑day Apple & Harvest Fayre. Browse stalls from 10am – 4pm on 11 – 12 October stocked with apple treats, crafts and produce while meeting charity groups like Arthur Rank Hospice. It’s a free family outing packed with orchard‑themed fun and local traders

• ⛪ Harvest Weekend - "Farming The Fens" - Ely Cathedral

  Immerse yourself in the spirit of the harvest from Friday 10 to Sunday 12 October. The Cathedral will be beautifully decorated with stunning floral displays and harvest-themed exhibits. Enjoy everything from scarecrow making and smoothie bikes to storytelling and tower tours. Entry is free on Saturday and Sunday, so don’t miss this spectacular community celebration.

• ❤️ EEAST Heart Training – The Maltings

  Learn lifesaving skills at the East of England Ambulance Service’s EEAST Heart Training session on Monday 13 October, 6:30pm - 9:30pm. Qualified staff and volunteers teach basic life Support techniques to build confidence in medical emergencies. Thanks to donations, the course is free and open to all. Email [email protected] to secure your place and empower yourself to help others.

• 🌏 Earth Photo 2025: Outdoor Photography Exhibition – Anglesey Abbey, Lode

  Wander the Heritage Orchard and encounter striking shortlisted images from the international Earth Photo competition, presented by Forestry England, the Royal Geographical Society and Parker Harris. The open-air display runs Saturday 11 October – Sunday 23 November, accessible from 9:30am during opening hours. Entry to the exhibition is free; normal Anglesey Abbey admission applies. A perfect autumn stroll with art.

• ⚓️ The Sheringham Shantymen – The Maltings

  Expect rousing harmonies and toe-tapping choruses as Norfolk’s favourite sea-shanty outfit sails into Ely for an afternoon matinee. The Sheringham Shantymen bring 30+ years of maritime songs and good humour to The Maltings on Saturday 11 October, 3pm. Tickets from £25.31. Bring your best singing voice !

• 🪵 Art in Wood Christmas Fayre – Ely Library

  Meet the Ely Guild of Woodturners at Ely Library for handmade bowls, ornaments and gifts. Drop in Thursday 9 Oct, 10am – 6pm, Friday 10 Oct, 10am – 5pm or Saturday 11 Oct, 10am – 3pm. Free to explore and perfect for early present hunting and a cosy autumn browse.

👋 Local and Sponsored Picks

• 🎨 Canvas & Co: Half Term Workshops – Unit 28, Saxon Business Park, Littleport (Sponsored) 

  Creative fun for the school break with children’s art workshops inspired by K-Pop Demon Hunters, Harry Potter, Wicked and Mythical Pirate Maps. Sessions are suitable for ages 6 – 12 and led by qualified teacher and local artist Laura Tod at her Canvas & Co studio. Prices vary. Spots go fast, so check the timetable and book online here.

• 🌳 Old Palace Garden - Open Day - Old Bishop's Palace

  Step into a tranquil oasis and meet the UK’s largest and oldest London Plane Tree on Sunday 12 October from 9:30am. This is a rare chance to explore the beautiful gardens of the Old Bishop's Palace. Entry is free, making it a perfect gentle Sunday morning activity.

😊 Good News in 60 Seconds

• 🐾 All Creatures Great and Small Blessed at Cathedral 

  Ely Cathedral hosted a heartwarming ‘All Creatures Great and Small’ service, with a special focus on rescue and rehoming animals. The event celebrated the important role animals play in our lives and highlighted the work of local animal rescue organisations.

• 🎗️ ELY Memorial Fund Shortlisted for Award 

  The ELY Memorial Fund, a local charity providing support to families who have lost a child in a road traffic accident, has been shortlisted for the ‘Charity or Social Enterprise of the Year’ at the Herefordshire Business Awards 2025. A wonderful recognition of their vital work in the community.

• 🐴 Ely Equestrians Qualify for National Championships

  Rosie, Sophia, Georgia and Isabella from King’s Ely rode to victory at the National Schools Equestrian Association show‑jumping qualifiers on 28 September. The team won the 70–75cm class and placed third in the 80–85cm class, earning places at the upcoming National Schools Championships. Congratulations to these talented young riders!

Soak up all the autumn goodness this week has to offer 🧡