Ely Scene

Hello you 👋

School’s nearly out, strawberries are ripe and the evenings are long enough to squeeze in “just one more” riverside stroll. Whether you fancy a world-class concert, good-natured beer-tasting or free family fun in Jubilee Gardens, there’s something bright and summery waiting for you this week.

🎟️ Events This Week

• 🍻 Soham Beer & Music Festival – Soham Recreation Ground

  Soham’s summer favourite is back. This family-friendly festival brings real ales, craft ciders, street food and live music to the Rec. Enjoy headline bands and lawn lounging. Starts on Friday 18 July at 5pm and picks up again on Saturday 19 July, 12pm – 10pm. £5 entry, free for under-18s.

• 🎼  Gabrieli Roar – Haydn’s The Seasons – Ely Cathedral

  More than 200 young singers join Gabrieli’s Consort & Players for Haydn’s sun-soaked oratorio The Seasons, performed in Ely Cathedral on Wednesday 23 July at 7pm. Led by Paul McCreesh with top soloists. Tickets from £17.

• 🎭 Death and the Carpenter — The Maltings 

  A gothic folk tale for grown-ups, blending eerie violin, macabre puppetry and a chilling soundscape. Parrot Theatre Company brings this haunting horror show to Ely on Thursday 17 July at 7pm. Tickets from £11.55.

• 🍦 Lighthouse in the Park – Jubilee Gardens

  Lighthouse’s BIG SUMMER KICK OFF returns with free kids’ crafts, face painting, live music and access to the play park. Join the fun on Sunday 20 July from 11am, with food from Kiernan’s Coffee, Pigs In, The Forge, and Purple Pepper. Free entry.

• 🚜 Farm Tour – Willow Grange Farm - Chittering

  Join farmer Fiona for a guided wander of Willow Grange Farm on Saturday 19 July, 12pm – 4pm, with free-range animals, orchard juice, and wetland wildlife. Tours at 12:30pm, 2pm and 3:30pm (booking required). Stands from RSPB, Turtle Dove and more. Free entry.

• 🎹 Lunchtime Concert – Julian Hellaby (piano) - Ely Cathedral
  Enjoy a lunchtime piano performance in the beautiful surroundings of Ely Cathedral on Thursday 17 July at 1:10pm, featuring works by Bach, Chaminade, Chopin and more. Entry with Cathedral visitor ticket or pass.

• 🧑‍🎨 1-Day Pottery Masterclass: Sculpting People – Haddenham Arts Centre

  Learn to sculpt the human form in clay with expert 1:1 guidance, creative inspiration and all materials included. Runs Friday 18 July, 10:30am – 5pm, suitable for all experience levels. Tickets £125, includes firing and tools.

Want to reach thousands of Ely readers each week?

👋 Local Picks

• 📚 Friends of Ely Library Coffee Morning & Book Sale - Ely Library
  Browse bargain books and jigsaws over a cuppa at this friendly monthly gathering. Drop in on Saturday 19 July, 10am – 12pm. Free entry, with low-cost refreshments supporting local community projects.

•  🔊 Listen to the Voices of the Fen Trail – Wicken Fen N.N.R.

  This immersive sound-sculpture trail opens Saturday 19 July and reveals hidden wildlife and underwater soundscapes through kinetic art and audio installations. Open daily, 10am – 4:30pm across the reserve.

😊 Good News in 60 Seconds

• 💰 Grants of £7,500 Now Available for Local SMEs
  Small businesses in East Cambs can apply for new grants to create jobs, invest in innovation, and improve sustainability. The scheme is part of the national Shared Prosperity Fund. Applications are now open, with funding awarded on a first-come basis.

• 🏠 Affordable £100k Homes Open in Kennett
  Three one-bedroom eco homes are now on sale at £100,000 for eligible first-time buyers. The homes are part of a council-led effort to keep young people and families in the local area. Designed for long-term affordability, the scheme prevents future resale above the fixed price.

Enjoy the week ahead and make the most of what’s on 🎈