21 minute read
HELLO ELY 34-35 EVENTS
from Elyi #61
by elyimagazine
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Sharing in the glory of Ely Cathedral and The Old Hall Ely, is Ben’s Yard - the Stuntney Estate’s £4.5 million shopping village. The work has begun and fantastic progress is being made towards the Spring 2023 opening date. The first and only of its kind in the area, this attractive retail village has been meticulously designed by Alastair and Victoria Morbey.
There are 13 retail units planned for the site, championing local businesses and great British brands. Visitors to Ben’s Yard will be able to enjoy the beautiful botanical Café restaurant, adventure playground, the 6 acre event space and 5km of wild wilderness walks trailing over the historic Stuntney Estate.
“So many of us are busy in the modern world rushing around and helping others. Ben’s Yard will strive to look after you, look after your friends and family, and give you a truly enriching experience on every visit.” Victoria Morbey
Just one mile along the Stuntney Road out of Ely, Ben’s Yard promises to offer something for everyone. With community, inclusivity and energetic optimism, the humble farmstead is being transformed into a retail and wellbeing oasis, offering local people a collection of fashion, lifestyle, beauty, homeware, floristry and food amongst an estate permanently opening its gates to the public for the very first time. A place to eat, drink and shop and feel nourished, nurtured, and restored!
Go to www.bensyard.co.uk to get an idea of what’s to come and sign up to the newsletters for regular updates. Facebook/ bensyardely Insta/ @bensyardely LinkedIn/ Bens Yard
For any further information please contact: General: hello@bensyard.co.uk Tel: 07748 777363
There have been some comings and goings at Cathedral Peregrine site with different birds coming and going. There is still hope for a successful breeding season ahead. KD Productions - The Wizard of Oz was at the Maltings in April as part of their Spring Tour
Hello Ely! Readers' photos from recent months send to: editor@elyimagazine.com
Mayor, Sue Austen, pictured together with Mike Rouse, Elisabeth Every and Cutter Staff at the opening of the Sid Merry Lounge at the Cutter Inn, Riverside, Ely. Sid was known by many as a legendary eel catcher and local character.
Sing! Choirs on Ely Market in March raising a whopping £1116.97 for charities, All In Sound and the Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal.
The waterside postbox aptly decorated for Easter!
Ely Acoustic organise regular music sessions at The Kings Arms and West End House.
TO SEND IN YOURS email: editor@elyimagazine.com before 13th JUNE for inclusion in the JULY/AUG 2022 issue
Quarter page posters now available to non profit groups & meets for a £25 contribution towards printing.
27 APRIL - 29 MAY
OUSELIFE EXHIBITION: AFTER THE FALL
The exhibition takes its starting point from the catastrophic collapse of the central Tower 700 years ago in 1322. 16 artists from the OuseLife group are exhibiting over 100 artworks. There is free access to the South West transept where some of the artworks will be showcased, but entry to the main body of the Cathedral where you will find the rest of the exhibition, is subject to a charge, unless you are a CB6 or CB7 resident. Please check www.elycathedral.org “Plan Your Visit” page which gives Visitor Opening Hours & Tickets, as Monday to Saturday 10am to 4pm, and Sunday between 12.30pm to 3.30pm (last entry 3pm). The website will also show any changes to opening hours. For further information do visit the exhibition website www.afterthefall2022.co.uk SATURDAY 30 APRIL
ELY SINFONIA CONCERT
DVORAK & MAHLER - Heard in the glorious surroundings of Ely Cathedral, this will be a concert to delight every music lover. Tickets: https://www.elycathedral.org/events/ ely-sinfonia-dvorak-and-mahler MONDAY 2 MAY
BANK HOLIDAY MARKET
9am-4pm Ely Market 4 - 7 MAY
SENSE AND SENSIBILITY
Performed by Viva Arts and Community Group in their new theatre in Soham. See page 37
4 - 29 MAY
ISLAND JOURNEYS BABYLON GALLERY EXHIBITION
An exhibition by Tess Recordon. More than any other landscape, islands capture our imagination. Shrouded in mystery, remote in location, cut off from land, islands seem cut off from the world. They are places to escape to, to truly get away from it all. Places where we can experience distinctive cultures and have adventures. This solo exhibition of landscapes paintings are inspired by Tess Recordon’s own Island journeys, both recent and past. Babylon Gallery, Waterside, Ely - Open Tuesday to Sunday 12pm to 4pm.
SUNDAY 8 MAY
ELY TRI CLUB DUATHLON 2022
The Ely Tri Club Duathlon (formerly the Monster Racing Duathlon) is a great way for hibernating triathletes to rub their eyes, shake out the winter legs and kick off the race season in style! INFO: https://www.elytriclub.co.uk/duathlon SATURDAY 14 MAY
SING CHOIRS, SING A SHOW
2-5pm at Ely College See page 37
21 - 28 MAY
ARTIST TED CONEY
Ted will be Artist in Residence at Haddenham Arts Centre - working on his current painting about lockdown in a pop-up studio. He will also be 'Artist at Home' -49, Waterside, Ely. Where Ted's studio and garden gallery will be open during the Ely Arts Festival on Sat 18th June and Sun 19th June 12pm - 4pm Admission free! SATURDAY 21 MAY
LIBERA IN CONCERT IN ELY
7.30pm, Ely Cathedral Tickets are now on sale from Ely Cathedral Box Office and cost £35 or £25, with special concessions for seniors and students, telephone 01353 660349 or email box.office@elycathedral. org, or online from: https://www.elycathedral.org/ events/libera (SEE PAGE 42) FRIDAY 27 MAY
FASCINATING FENS - FEN FOLK FRIDAYS
Fens, Romans, Countrymen: A history of Eels in the Fens by Dr John Wyatt. A great topic to get you ready for eel day the following weekend. INFO: www.fascinatingfens.com email: fascinatingfens@outlook.com Booking: https://fascinatingfens.com/ FEN-FOLKS-FRIDAY/
ELY YOUTH CHOIR
Rehearsals 6-7 p.m. Mondays in term time, St Mary’s Church Hall, Ely
Upcoming Concerts
• June 26, “Afternoon Prom” 4:30 p.m. Methodist Church, Ely • July 1, “Carnival of the Animals” 7:30 p.m. Ely Cathedral • July 10, “Summer Serenade” 6 p.m. Hayward Theatre, Ely
We are part of Ely Choral Society More info: www.elychoralsociety.org/youth-choir
ON PAR GOLF CLUB
THE MALCOLM WHALES FOUNDATION CHARITY DAY
18 HOLES – PRO-AM FORMAT SATURDAY 23RD JULY
Taking steps to beat cancer, the Malcolm Whales Foundation is a fundraising cancer charity in memory of Malcolm Whales.
Raffle and a BBQ including Burgers & Sausages with LIVE Music from 17:30. Get the Date saved in your Diary and come down with your Family & Friends for a lovely fun filled afternoon! This is Open for everyone weather you’re a member or not, Limited space available with 13 Teams Only.
ARRIVE BY 12.30 - TEE OFF AT 13.00 £130 per team (£30 per person) To include hot drink on arrival
POWER OF STITCH BABYLON GALLERY EXHIBITION
In this exhibition E.A.S.T (East Anglian Stitch Textiles) members have pursued their own areas of interest but with a deliberate focus on stitch to interpret their creative journey. Babylon Gallery, Waterside, Ely - Open Tuesday to Sunday 12pm to 4pm
THURSDAY 2 JUNE
ELY CIVIC CELEBRATIONS
To kickstart our celebrations we have A Right Royal Tour starting at Oliver Cromwell’s House and concludes at the Maltings with Fizz and Strawberries. Along the way you’ll learn all about the ‘Royals’ that were once connected to Ely over the centuries! Tours are 11 am and 6.30pm. Tickets available on-line or call 01353 662062. At 2pm we have our Town Crier crying the commemorative cry for Ely and celebrate our Queen, St Mary’s Green. We have the Ely City Military band playing 7pm – 9pm outside Oliver Cromwell’s House, Rotary selling teas/coffees and cakes followed by: 9.20pm National Anthem - Sing! Choirs 9.35pm Piper plays "Diu Regnare' 9.40pm Majesty Bugle Call 9.45pm Lighting of the Beacon "Song for the Commonwealth - Sing! Choirs FRIDAY 3 JUNE
ELY CIVIC CELEBRATIONS
St Mary’s Green and Palace Green will host the Grand Jubilee Food, Drink and Craft Fair. A multitude of eclectic stalls from local craftsmen and producers. There will be entertainment, and places to sit and absorb the atmosphere of foods and craft from around the Commonwealth. 10-6pm.
ELY MARKETS
10am - 4pm A special platinum jubilee celebration - Street food, music and crafts. See page 39 & back page
OLIVER CROMWELL HOUSE
Oliver Cromwell’s House activities (make a crown, fancy dress, living history activities/crafts). The Town Crier competition will also take place on St Mary’s Green at 2pm. Also running alongside events there’s an opportunity to visit the annual ‘Etheldreda Fair’ – this will take place on Palace and Cross Green.
ELY METHODIST CHURCH
Celebrating the Queens Jubilee. We invite you to drop in and share a FREE cup of tea and cake at our premises on Chapel Street - entrance also from the rear of St Marys Car park 2-5pm SUNDAY 5 JUNE
ELY'S JUBIL-EEL DAY! AND STREET PARTY
Jubil-EEL Parade! Parade assembly Cross Green 10.am onwards, depart to Jubilee Gardens 10.30 – arrive 11 am. A new Samba band will lead the parade with two brand new eels! Entertainment, craft, food and charity stalls, including Eel Throwing, until 6pm. Everyone encouraged to participate, wearing their very best Red, White and Blue!
ELY METHODIST CHURCH
Celebrating the Queens Jubilee. We invite you to drop in and share a FREE cup of tea and cake at our premises on Chapel Street 3-5pm with a Songs of Praise at 4pm
ELY CATHEDRAL
A Commemorative exhibition with a special service for the Jubilee at 10.30am FRIDAY 10 JUNE
CITY OF ELY FLOWER CLUB GOLDEN ANNIVERSARY
Ely Beet Sports & Social Club, Lynn Road 6pm (for 6.45pm) Join City of Ely Flower Club as it celebrates its 50th anniversary. National Demonstrator Lorena Dyer will be presenting "Lipstick, Powder and Paint". Tickets £15 each including buffet. Contact 01353 661837. See pg 6 11 - 12 JUNE
ART UNEQUALLED
Arts and Crafts Showcase at the Maltings More info: www.artunequalled.co.uk. See page 43 17 - 19 JUNE
CELEBRATE THE FENS
Celebrate the Fens Day returns this year on 18th June, and will form part of ‘Celebrate the Fens Weekend’ 17th-19th June. The aim is to bring people together to take part in various events and activities taking place across the Fens of
Cambridgeshire, Norfolk, Lincolnshire and Suffolk, to celebrate everything about the Fens. The celebration was created by Fascinating Fens, who believe in bringing people together to explore and promote the Fens through creativity, heritage, nature, wellbeing and accessibility. The Fens are inspiring, beautiful, mysterious, and fascinating. A big thank you to everyone already getting involved by organising the many planned activities. These include nature trails, bell ringing, pond dipping, displays, guided tours, heritage walks, exhibitions, Fen Edge Trails, workshops, and making bug hotels. The weekend will officially launch on our Fen Folks Friday free zoom event, consisting of music, special guests and poetry. Organisations involved so far include Cambridgeshire Geological Society, Wisbech Castle (Wisbech Town Council), Crowland Abbey, Spalding Gentlemen’s Society Museum, Haddenham Art Centre, New Life Old West (Cambs Acre), Madeliene’s Patch, The Great Fen (The Wildlife Trust), Wisbech Museum, Fenland Flag, CP Learning Trust, Fen Speak, Cambridgeshire Libraries, Kings Lynn Shakespeare Guildhall, Crowland Buffalo, Wisbech Community Hub, Chatteris Pocket Park, Ramsey Rural Museum, Boston Rambling Society. Activities are free to participate with donations very welcome. You may also wish to do your own thing in the Fens on the weekend, such as a self-guided tour, go on a picnic, go camping, be inspired to write a poem or story in the Fens, go rambling, running, cycling or flying your Fenland Flag. Whatever you do, please use our hashtag #CelebrateTheFens on social media to share with us your adventures, videos and photos. If you would like to stay up to date with activities and events happening on ‘Celebrate the Fens’ Day/weekend, and for more ideas, please follow our blog, or follow us on Twitter and Facebook, more information can also be found on our website www.fascinatingfens.com. If you would like to deliver an event/activity on the day please email Fascinating Fens with your idea, so that a registration form can be sent to you. We’d love schools and businesses to get involved too. 21 - 26 JUNE
PANDORA’S BOX
Responding Together with Hope. The ancient story of Pandora’s Box tells of a woman who opens a vessel she has been told not to, and releases untold evils into the world. But the box was actually a storage jar. Some versions say it was her husband who opened it; others say a passing god. Hope was the only
WHAT’S ON AT ELY MARKET: STREET FOOD, BANK HOLIDAYS AND A SPECIAL JUBILEE CELEBRATION!
Ely Markets have launched a new street food event for the summer season. The event runs on the last Friday of the month, from 5-8pm, allowing people to come after work and meet friends and family. There’s lots of different foods to try, everything from Greek gyros, wood-fired pizza and Thai noodles to vegan mezze boxes and salad. Visitors can enjoy their street food in the covered seating area, or take it away to enjoy at home. There will be also be a Bank Holiday Market on Monday 2 May from 9am-4pm. This market will feature a great mix of street food, crafts, vintage and family fun.
Ely Markets have lots of fun events lined up for the Queen’s Jubilee weekend. Join them on Friday 3 June for their Platinum Jubilee Market Celebration, 10am-4pm.
The whole community is welcome and there will be free entertainment including live music and theatre, dancing and children’s crafts. There will also be crafts and a wide range of street food. Their regular markets will take place as usual on Thurs 2 June, Sat 4 June and Sun 5 June.
thing left inside. So many global challenges have been released into our world in the last few years. Our menu of co-created events is to encourage response and reaction, from poetry readings and music recitals, to sewing, sketching and singing. Be brave, open your hearts and bring your friends! Hazel Keelan and Nicky Saunter, artists and friends, host this week of events at Babylon Gallery, Ely. Babylon Gallery, Waterside, Ely. Open Tuesday to Sunday 12pm to 4pm.
17 JUNE - 1 JULY
ELY ARTS FESTIVAL
A varied programme of events for everyone to enjoy. Highlights include professional theatre company Impromptu Shakespeare, who present an improvised Shakespeare play in The Maltings and our ‘Jubilee Jamboree’ family day in Jubilee Gardens. This is a free day of music, theatre and art with food vans. The festival culminates with ‘The Carnival of the Animals’, a community celebration in Ely Cathedral on 1st July. It will feature 300 local school children singing animalthemed music, including medleys from The Lion King and Jungle Book and music by Saint Saëns, Mancini with a live orchestra and professional soloists. The concert will begin with a colourful carnival parade down the nave with school children wearing animal head-dresses created in workshops provided by the festival. We look forward to welcoming you in June and bringing exciting arts events to Ely! More information is available on: www.elyartsfestival.org SATURDAY 25 JUNE
U3A CEILIDH
Sutton Village Hall, The Brook CB6 2QQ Doors open 7.30pm. Dancing to: FROG ON A BIKE from 8pm. Bar open; plenty of parking. Tickets £10.00. Contact 07775853840 / 01353 776282 FRIDAY 17 JUNE
FASCINATING FENS
Celebrate The Fens launch evening with music, poetry, special guests and preview for the weekend events. INFO: www.fascinatingfens.com email: fascinatingfens@outlook.com Booking: https://fascinatingfens.com/ FEN-FOLKS-FRIDAY/
THURSDAY 23 JUNE
CAMBRIDGESHIRE COUNTY DAY
Registrations are now open for Cambridgeshire County Day which is taking place on 23rd June 2022 at the July Course, Newmarket, Cambridgeshire. Free to everyone, the event will provide a once in a lifetime opportunity to celebrate the very best Cambridgeshire has to offer, while celebrating Her Majesty The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. To register to attend Cambridgeshire County Day and receive exclusive updates in the run up to the event, go here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/cambridgeshire -county-day-tickets-301392110917 SUNDAY 10 JULY
A SUMMER SERENADE
A Summer Serenade’ in the Hayward Theatre at King's Ely on Sunday 10th July at 6 p.m. A programme of delightful part songs and choral works for a summer's evening. The concert will highlight music by Elgar, Delius, Vaughan Williams and Lennon and McCartney. Ely Choral Society will be joined by Ely Youth Choir and a Piano Quintet. The concert will be conducted by Andrew Parnell. Please go to: www.elychoralsociety.org for details of where to buy tickets: £25, £15 and £5 for U18s at 01353 660349 and online at www.elycathedral.org/ events
To book: Online www.babylonarts. org.uk Telephone 01353 616991 In person at The Babylon Gallery and 30 minutes before the film at The Maltings
Sun 1st May: 7.30pm – The Worst Person in the World (Subtitled Norwegian film) Thu 5th May: 7.30pm – The Hermit of Trieg Wed18th May: 7.30pm – The Outfit Thu 19th May: 7.15pm – ROH: Swan Lake Sun 22nd May: 2pm and 7.30pm – Operation Mincemeat Thu 26th May: 7pm - NT Live Straight Line Crazy Sun 29th May: 7.30pm The Drover’s Wife Coming up in June: Downton Abbey 2!
Sat 14th May CHOICE GRENFELL
7.30pm - a wonderful tribute, celebrating the life of Joyce Grenfell during the 40th anniversary year of her death. £12
Sun 15th May LITTLE GRIM TALES ( for families)
3.30pm - Head into the woods with Hansel & Gretel, help the little elves to make beautiful shoes, watch a slimy frog become a prince, and meet the princess who’s champion of hide-and-seek! £5 - £11.50
Sat 25th June THE OPERA DUDES
No ordinary operatic duo, the powerful tenors Tim Lole and Neil Allen rip up the rule book with a bravura act encompassing classical Verdi, Elvis Presley, Lloyd Webber, Chopin… and Frank Spencer. £12
Box office 01353 722228 https://www.viva-group.org.uk/tickets/
Spencer Drove, Soham, Cambs CB7 6EE The City of Ely Royal British Legion Branch has organised a tour for 20 Beneficiaries (Serving Personnel, Veterans or dependants over 18 years old) for 12 – 16 September 2022. The tour will introduce you to some of the battlefields, memorials, and soldiers of the British Expeditionary Force who took part in the opening British battle of the Great War in August 1914 at Mons, Belgium. After learning about the Battle of Mons, the tour moves to explore some of the battlefields, and memorials, and soldiers of the Allied Expeditionary Forces on D-Day 6 June 1944 in Normandy, France. The tour will also tell the story of a local Cambridgeshire hero.
The branch has raised more than £2000 towards the costs of the tour and aim to raise more to further reduce the costs to individuals which is currently at £500pp. If you are interested, please contact Dave Martin by email at:
CityOfEly.Chairman@rbl.community or text 07748592148
MAD HATTERS FESTIVAL
TICKETS ON SALE NOW
FRI 1 - SUN 3 JULY 2022
3 DAYS | 2 STAGES | 10+ BANDS | FOOD & DRINK | ECO-STALLS | + LOADS MORE
LIVE MUSIC ECO-STALLS WELLNESS AREA QUIZ NEON DISCO CHILDRENʼS ACTIVITIES
STORYTELLER
DEMOS
ACOUSTIC BANDS
LIVE MUSIC FROM EMMA STEVENS FLINT MOORE MR NO FACE STANDING LIKE STATUES JADE LIKE THE STONE THE JACKSON LAKE BAND CHRIS FOX FRED’S HOUSE FROG ON A BIKE PlSCtViIe fOm Th fIrLaDRuT
LIVE MUSIC FROM SMALL DOGS BITE DEAR MONDAY THE HA’PENNIES MK & THE MISTERS MAHOGANY TALES FREE BEETROOTS ISLE AVE A SHANTY DARREN CLAXTON DAN WILDE LIZZY HARDINGHAM
MAD HATTERS CAMPSITE, ELY, CAMBS
ADULT: CAMPING TICKETS £84 � WEEKEND DAY TICKETS £56.50 CHILD (6-15): CAMPING TICKETS £17.50 � WEEKEND DAY TICKETS £17.50 TICKETS FROM MADHATTERSFESTIVAL.CO.UK
REKNOWNED CHOIR, LIBERA RETURN TO ELY CATHEDRAL
A British group of seven to sixteen-year-old boys who first appeared on BBC Songs of Praise and now have a worldwide following are returning to Ely Cathedral for their 2022 UK spring concert on Saturday 21st May.
Libera is made up of ordinary boys who are all at schools in South London. However, as their recordings and performances demonstrate, the music they produce is truly extraordinary. With shimmering, mystical chords and ecstatic harmonies and stunning lighting, they are utterly unique as a group. They frequently appear on TV and radio in the UK and overseas, as well as appearing live in some of the world’s most prestigious venues. They have been heard millions of times on YouTube and Spotify.
This year, for the third time the group is holding its UK spring concert in Ely Cathedral, giving local audiences another chance to experience these remarkable children at first hand. The concert will also be a chance for the boys to remember Libera’s founder, composer and conductor Robert Prizeman, who sadly died last September. Dressed in their hallmark long white robes, the boys will present their special brand of choral music in a fully staged concert with orchestra and lighting, including some of the most beautiful choral pieces ever written and music from their recent album. Libera’s concerts sell out quickly, so anyone wanting to share the experience is encouraged not to delay. Tickets are now on sale from Ely Cathedral Box Office and cost £35 or £25, with special concessions for seniors and students, telephone 01353 660349 or email box.office@ elycathedral.org, or online from: https://www.elycathedral.org/events/libera The two Rotary clubs in Ely are currently making plans for the return of Ely Aquafest on Sunday July 3rd, which will feature as usual a wide mix of stalls, funfair activities, local music bands, and arena events, along with the ever-popular Raft Race on the river.
If you are a local trader, charity or organisation who would like a stall at East Cambridgeshire biggest free Family event, please see contacts below:
ELY AQUAFEST IS BACK ON SUNDAY JULY 3RD!
For a pitch on Jubilee Gardens: Mike Judkins: michael.j.judkins@gmail.com
For a pitch on Lavender Green: Richard Tyler:richard_j_tyler@hotmail.com
To enter the Raft Race please contact Richard Maxey: richard.maxey@cantab.net
EVENTS TO SHOWCASE SUPERB ART AND CRAFT
A WONDERFUL ARRAY OF ARTS AND CRAFTS AT THE MALTINGS
2022 sees the return of Art Unequalled events with a different mix of some of the best Artists and Crafts people that the UK has to offer.
The first event, taking place on 11th and 12th June, will be a highlight of the attractions in Ely this summer. Art Unequalled, now in its 11th year, is unrivalled in the area for the quality of handmade crafts that it brings together at its friendly and welcoming events.
Whether you are simply looking for a way to spend an interesting few hours browsing, or you are looking for something unique for your home, yourself or a loved one, Art Unequalled is the perfect event to visit. The Malting makes the perfect backdrop to host the range of high quality handmade works on display. Just a short stroll along the river from the train station, or with free parking across Ely, why not make a day of it!
At Art Unequalled, each maker will be presenting their work themselves and will therefore be on hand to answer any questions you may have about their work and inspirations. Most of the exhibitors also work to commission, allowing you to have something truly bespoke created just for you.
See advert above for info.
