The Ely Eel Festival 2025 was a huge success, with over 7,000 attendees enjoying the three-day celebration. This year’s festival had a special VE Day 80th anniversary theme, with the High Street adorned in VE bunting for the annual parade.
The Eel Parade was led by Fred Duffield’s WW2 jeeps, followed by Royal British Legion veterans, Ely’s MP Charlotte Cane, and the New Samba Band. Seven Morris dancing groups and various dance troupes also joined the parade, adding to the lively atmosphere.
At Jubilee Gardens, visitors enjoyed eel throwing (not real eels!), jellied eels, and baby eels from the Environment Agency, along with food from over eleven participating eateries. The festival continued with a Food, Drink, and Craft Fair, featuring 70 artisan stalls.
On Sunday, the city welcomed the Knightingales, a vocal trio performing wartime favorites, encouraging a sing-along and dancing. The final day featured chilled-out jazz from ‘That Other Band’, rounding off the festival in style.
Organizers described the event as “probably the best parade yet”, with plans already underway for Armed Forces Day 2025 on June 21