More than 400 performers joined forces for a sold-out water-themed community concert at Ely Cathedral as part of Ely Arts Festival.

Among them were over 300 school children who performed a range of songs, including Disney’s ‘Under the Sea’, Sea Shanties, and music from Coldplay.

Three adult choirs boosted the choral ensemble, alongside a 60-member orchestra.

Professional vocalist, Betty Jones, joined the massed choir Professional vocalist, Betty Jones, joined the massed choir (Image: Shawn Pearce)

The featured choirs included local groups Witchford Voices and Thetford Singers, as well as a newly formed Community Chorus run by the festival.

Professional vocalist Betty Jones joined the massed choir, conducted by artistic director of the Ely Arts Festival, Chris Parsons.

Ely Arts Festivals' popular community concert returned with a water theme Ely Arts Festivals' popular community concert returned with a water theme (Image: Shawn Pearce)

The evening's programme also included instrumental performances of a 'Pirates of the Caribbean' medley and two new pieces, titled 'The Eel' and 'Gone to Sea' were debuted.

These pieces were composed by the festival’s resident composer, Jon Brigg.

Mr Parsons from Ely Arts Festival said: "It was a joy to see so many children and adults singing their hearts out and dancing along to the orchestra.

The event was completely sold out The event was completely sold out (Image: Shawn Pearce)

"What an experience for primary school children to sing to a sold out cathedral.

"It is so good to visit schools across the area to deliver high-quality singing and art workshops and to reach so many children, it is the highlight of the festival for me and will hopefully inspire the next generation of musicians and artists. "

In preparation for the grand concert, the festival provided free art and singing workshops for the children.

School children came together to sing a variety of music including Disney Songs, Sea Shanties and Coldplay School children came together to sing a variety of music including Disney Songs, Sea Shanties and Coldplay (Image: Shawn Pearce)

This initiative, said Mr Parsons, helped to connect with schools across the area, providing "high quality singing and art workshops" to "reach so many children".

The concert also saw dancers from King’s Ely Dance Troupe, led by Natasha Hobbs, performing down the cathedral's nave.

The festival organisers have already set the wheels in motion for next year, with the 2025 theme to be announced shortly.