When Summer’s in full swing East Cambs is ready to welcome you with festivals, family days, and fabulous things to do
Whether you’re exploring riverside towns or countryside escapes, there’s something on the calendar to make your July sparkle.
Ely Market’s Foodie Friday
Date: April – August
Location: Ely
On the last Friday of each month, Ely Market transforms into a buzzing hub of flavour and fun for Foodie Friday. Tuck into a mouth-watering mix of street food from local favourites and exciting new vendors, all served up alongside live music and laid-back entertainment. Whether you’re catching up with friends or bringing the whole family, it’s the perfect way to kick-start your weekend.
Prickwillow Steam Pump Museum: Summer Engine Running Day
Date: April-October
Location: Prickwillow Steam Pump Museum
On the last Sunday in the month the engines will be running at Prickwillow Steam Pump Museum! See these impressive old engines in action and learn about the area’s engineering past. There’ll be refreshments and plenty to explore – great for curious minds of all ages.
Prickwillow Museum, a registered educational charity, tells the story of the drainage of the Fens, the history of the local area, and those who ran the drainage pumps in remote locations. The museum showcases some of the region’s finest examples of restored diesel engines.
Admission prices are £5 for adults with £4 concessions, and children (up to 16 years with an adult) go free unless otherwise stated. For those arriving in a pre-1990 vehicle, from June to September only, the driver will be admitted free.
Ely Cathedral’s Tower Tours
Date: All month
Location: Ely
July is the perfect month to join a specialist Tower Guide on this fascinating tour inside the Octagon Tower of Ely Cathedral.
Hear about this unique structure, suspended over the centre of the Cathedral, which was completed in 1342 and is one of the wonders of medieval engineering. Peer through the Angel doors down into the Cathedral, and go up onto the roof of the tower (weather permitting) for amazing views over the city of Ely and surrounding Fens.
Please Note: There are 170 spiral steps in the tower. A reasonable level of fitness is required and we advise anyone with any mobility issues or pre-existing health conditions to consider this before booking.
The tours take around 1 hour and run three times a day in the week and twice on Sunday.
Tickets: Adults £11 (in addition to your visitor ticket)
Children £9. Children under 10 are not permitted on this tour.
Open-Air Cinema
Date: 4th-6th July
Location: Anglesey Abbey
Watch a film under the sun and stars in the stunning gardens of Anglesey Abbey, once home to Lord Fairhaven, who transformed the estate into the breathtaking landscape it is today.
Surrounded by wildflower meadows and historic woodlands, it’s the perfect setting for an open-air cinema experience. Grab a blanket, sit back, and take in the magic of the unique surroundings.
Films include: The Greatest Showman, Mamma Mia, Moana and more.
Screenings take place on the East Lawn, overlooking the Skylight Garden. Free parking is available in the main car park and overflow. Booking required.
Ely AquaFest
Date: 6th July
Location: Ely
Located on the beautiful banks of the Great Ouse River, the Ely AquaFest celebrates the community’s connection to water and brings together hundreds of visitors each year to enjoy the summer sunshine and riverside atmosphere.
This year Aquafest turns 45, and this milestone year promises to be the biggest and best yet. Enjoy a full day of aquatic competition, special performances, food vendors, and community activities, in a fun packed atmosphere that has made AquaFest a must-attend event.
Ely Folk Festival
Date: 11-13th July
Location: Ely
Experience three days of great music at one of the UK’s top weekend folk events. This small but mighty folk festival brings music lovers together for a weekend of live acts, dancing, and laid-back vibes. With both local talent and big-name performers on the bill, plus a real community feel, it’s one of the friendliest festivals around.
With on-site camping facilities, a real ale bar, lots of kids activities, Morris dancing displays, ceilidhs, workshops and music sessions, whether you visit for a day or the whole weekend, Ely Folk Festival will delight festival lovers of all ages.
Whether you’re planning a big day out or just looking for something new on your doorstep, East Cambs has plenty to keep you busy this July. With festivals, local celebrations, and warm summer evenings to enjoy, it’s the perfect time to get out and explore.
Got an event you’d like to share? Get in touch and we’ll add it to our next guide!