Thousands of people attended this year's "incredible" Ely Eel Festival, which organisers have described as "the best yet".

The sun literally came out as Eel-izabeth began her journey, wigging her way towards the riverside for 11am.

Here, she was met by thousands of people all cheering her on together with Visit Ely's samba band, folk dancers and dance troups.

Ely Standard: Eel-izabeth making her way through the city centre during Ely Eel Festival 2023.Eel-izabeth making her way through the city centre during Ely Eel Festival 2023. (Image: Vanessa Wheeler)

Anna Bennett, tourism and town centre manager, said that she and the organising team were "overwhelmed with the success of the whole event.

“We had an overwhelming amount of wonderful comments from the public and our traders regarding how much they enjoyed the weekend.

"The atmosphere was incredible and that filtered through to our day two and three on Palace/St Mary’s Green where we must havae seen in excess of 5,000 people over the two days.

Ely Standard: Residents of all ages took part in the Ely Eel Festival paradeResidents of all ages took part in the Ely Eel Festival parade (Image: Vanessa Wheeler)

"The whole weekend vibe was chilled, relaxed and all about celebrating.

"We would like to thank everyone for being part of such a unique event."

This weekend the fun continues, with Anna adding: "Don’t forget the beacon lighting to celebrate the Coronation of King Charles III at 7pm on St. Mary’s Green. 

Ely Standard: One of the music groups that took part in this year's Ely Eel Festival paradeOne of the music groups that took part in this year's Ely Eel Festival parade (Image: Vanessa Wheeler)

"Details of ‘what’s on’ in Ely can be found on our website www.visitely.org.uk

Next year the team are going big on celebrating 20 years of the eel parade so if you've got any memories of bygone years, let Visit Ely know. Dates to be released soon.

Ely Standard: The eel festival fun continued at Jubilee GardensThe eel festival fun continued at Jubilee Gardens (Image: Vanessa Wheeler)

Ely Standard: One of the music groups who performed as part of Ely Eel Festival 2023.One of the music groups who performed as part of Ely Eel Festival 2023. (Image: Vanessa Wheeler)

Ely Standard: One of the music groups who performed at Ely Eel Festival 2023One of the music groups who performed at Ely Eel Festival 2023 (Image: Ely's RAF Air Cadets)

Ely Standard: The eel festival fun continued at Jubilee GardensThe eel festival fun continued at Jubilee Gardens (Image: Vanessa Wheeler)

Ely Standard: The team from Mile Tree Brewery attended Ely Eel Festival 2023.The team from Mile Tree Brewery attended Ely Eel Festival 2023. (Image: Emma Grey)

Ely Standard: Some of the Ely Eel Festival teamSome of the Ely Eel Festival team (Image: Emma Grey)

Ely Standard: Mayor of Ely, Cllr Richard Morgan, at Ely Eel Festival 2023Mayor of Ely, Cllr Richard Morgan, at Ely Eel Festival 2023 (Image: Emma Grey)