Ely Eel Day

Ely Eel Day is an annual celebration observed by the people of Ely, Cambridgeshire to celebrate the city's namesake — the eel. The celebrations start with a parade which begins from Cross Green outside Ely Cathedral and proceeds through the city to the Jubilee Gardens, passing by the Market Square and along the River Great Ouse at Ely's Waterside.^[1]

Ely Eel Day
Also called	Eel Festival Weekend
Observed by	Inhabitants of Ely
Type	Cultural, Historical
Celebrations	parade, eel throwing competition
Frequency	annual

The celebrations following the parade include an eel throwing competition. The competition does not use real eels. Originally competitors were given socks rolled into some tights with rice in the end to weight it down^[2] but now the competition uses specially made toy eels. Other events on Eel Day include an annual competition for Town Criers.^[3]

Eel Day is traditionally held on the Saturday of the May Bank Holiday weekend.^[4]