Ely’s Apple and Harvest Fayre 2023 was a resounding success this year with over 6000 visitors attending the event. This year, with the kind permission of Ely Cathedral, we were able to use Cross Green. This allowed over 80 traders to showcase their produce and crafts. From the moment the event opened at 10 am, the crowds were there in abundance, and the footfall just grew throughout the whole day. There was a fabulous mix of charity/food and craft stalls, and each and every stall had an ‘Apple’ theme which made the day extra special.
Visit Ely would like to express their thanks to Thorlabs, Watergull Orchards, and Spotted in Ely Radio for sponsorship and support. The Mayor and Mayoress of Ely, Cllr Chris Phillips and Lady Mayoress, Mary Rone opened the event and browsed the stalls, engaging with traders. Apple and Spoon races, and longest peel certainly drew a crowd with the longest peel this year of over 3m. The folk dancers joined in the community fun, and the cast of Bugsy Malone also performed in the arena.
Anna Bennett, Manager of Visit Ely and Tourism commented, “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. 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!”
One trader 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. As you know we do many markets across the region and please pat yourselves on the back as the organisation from start to finish was spot on… Thank you again and keep it going”. Chilli Freaks.