The city of Ely is gearing up for Eel Day 2024 which, in celebration of its 20th year, is set to be "bigger and better than ever".

The quirky event was born in 2004 and has grown over the many years to a full, three-day celebration of all things ‘eel’ and Ely!

The event team will be at Cross Green from 10am on Saturday May 4 as they prepare for the annual parade.

Departing at 10.30am, the crown-adorned eel and volunteers will be followed by a samba band and six morris and molly dance groups.

Once they have arrived at Jubilee Gardens, the samba band will continue to play.

This will be followed by a short speech from the Mayor of Ely, Cllr Chris Phillips, who will officially open the show and commemorate 50 Years of the City of Ely Council, and official city status.

The City of Ely Council event (organised by Visit Ely) is sponsored by the Ely riverside quarter restaurants, Grovemere Property and The Old Warehouse.

Anna Bennett, tourism and events manager at Visit Ely, said: "We are proud to say this year is bigger and better than event."

The environment agency will be in attendance with their elvers tank, eels to throw in the famous competition (not real) and to eat - fresh from the seafood/fish stall.

Appearing in the arena on Eel Day (May 4), guests can enjoy many dance displays and Sing Choirs! as well as face painting, a small fairground and eel throwing.

There will also be entertainment from various acts selected from the Ely Folk Festival line up.

Then on Sunday and Monday (May 5 and 6), the action moves up to Palace and Cross Green to continue celebrating the city of Ely with a 'food, drink and craft fayre'.

As well as some returning and many new traders attending, there will be musical entertainment on both areas. 

Anna Bennett, tourism and events manager, said: "Once again we bring you this fantastic three-day event, full of things to see and do.

"Please do and come for the whole weekend and celebrate Ely with us."