More than 6,000 visitors and residents in Ely enjoyed games, dancing, and arts and crafts on Saturday (October 7) as Ely’s Apple and Harvest Fayre returned for its 23rd year. 

The free event took place at Palace Green opposite Ely Cathedral as well as Cross Green and marked the history of orchards and harvest in Ely and East Cambridgeshire. 

The Mayor and Mayoress of Ely, Cllr Chris Phillips and Lady Mayoress, Mary Rone opened this year’s event. 

Ely Standard: The free event took place at Palace Green opposite Ely Cathedral.The free event took place at Palace Green opposite Ely Cathedral. (Image: Visit Ely)

Stalls, entertainment from actors, local folk music, and food and drink were all featured as well as the annual ‘longest apple peel’ competition and the ‘apple and spoon’ race. 

Over 80 traders showcased their produce and crafts this year meaning there was a ‘fabulous’ mix of charity/food and craft stalls with each one having an ‘Apple’ theme which made the day extra special. 

The longest apple peel this year was over 3m! 

Anna Bennett, Manager of Visit Ely and Tourism, Anna Bennett, said:“It’s been quite a week for Ely, from Oliver Cromwell’s House winning an award for the Visit England Hidden Gem tourist attraction, to a hugely successful Apple and Harvest Fayre.   

Ely Standard: More than 80 traders showcased their produce and crafts this year.More than 80 traders showcased their produce and crafts this year. (Image: Visit Ely)

Ely Standard: More than 6,000 visitors and residents in Ely enjoyed games, dancing, and arts and crafts.More than 6,000 visitors and residents in Ely enjoyed games, dancing, and arts and crafts. (Image: Visit Ely)

“We are very proud to be able to organise this annual event and as we promised, this year was bigger and better than ever before.  

“I would like to thank the team behind the scenes, and all our traders in attendance for making it an extra special day!” 

Visit Ely would like to express their thanks to Thorlabs, Watergull Orchards, and Spotted in Ely Radio for sponsorship and support.  

Ely Standard: Stalls, entertainment from actors, local folk music, and food and drink were all featured.Stalls, entertainment from actors, local folk music, and food and drink were all featured. (Image: Visit Ely)

 Ely Standard: The Mayor and Mayoress of Ely, Cllr Chris Phillips and Lady Mayoress, Mary Rone opened this year’s event. The Mayor and Mayoress of Ely, Cllr Chris Phillips and Lady Mayoress, Mary Rone opened this year’s event. (Image: Visit Ely)

One trader, Chilli Freaks, said “We would just like to send you all a personal note to say thank you for this Saturdays Apple Harvest Fayre, we had a fantastic day trading and meeting so many new people, we sincerely hope all the other traders that attended had a good day like we did.” 

Ely Standard: At Ely's Apple Day Campaign Amateur Theatre performed a snippet from their up-coming show, Bugsy Malone.At Ely's Apple Day Campaign Amateur Theatre performed a snippet from their up-coming show, Bugsy Malone. (Image: Campaign Amateur Theatre)

Ely Standard: The longest apple peel this year was over 3m! The longest apple peel this year was over 3m! (Image: Visit Ely)