Ely Arts Festival Opening Concert St. Mary’s Church Ely Saturday 14th June 2025.

What a wonderful display of local talent! Thanks to the brainchild of Chris Parsons and the Festival committee, the opening Showcase concert featured many popular local artists and groups. 

It opened with a grand Fanfare composed by David Sims. St Mary's School Chamber Choir led by Hazel Law, followed with a delightful performance of Chattanooga Choo Choo and The Rhythm of Life. The way these young people managed to sing every word clearly and so quickly was amazing. 

The next item was a most enjoyable performance by Ukul-Ely led by Nik Dowdy. Their enthusiasm and natural enjoyment of the songs along with tuneful ukelele accompaniments were most entertaining.

King's Prep Jazz band directed by Chris Parsons gave us some toe tapping numbers, featuring some delightful saxophones and a trumpet solo.

Marianne Powell entertained us with some splendid stories reminding us of the importance of story-telling in our lives. She has a natural and engaging manner that draws you into the tales she tells.

Ely Choral Society directed by Andrew Parnell and accompanied by Jeremy Lloyd, gave us delightfully musical taste of popular items that will appear in their performance of 'Broadway comes to Ely' on 5th July in St Mary's Church.

Folk-like original songs were performed by Cliff and Prue Ward. Chris's guitar playing and Prues' performance on the violin to accompany their singing fitted particularly well together giving the impression of talented empathetic improvisation.

Ely Sinfonia String Quartet's tangos were toe tapping and lively items to enjoy along with a rendition of O mio babbino caro.

The concert ended with some well-known items by Witchford Voices directed by Naomi D'Cunha accompanied by Greg Lowes Their enthusiastic singing culminated in their an encore of  'Africa' when the audience joined in with the sound effects joyfully and spontaneously.

This was indeed a wonderful way to open the Festival!

Rosemary Westwell