This city has a rather unique tradition which takes place in one of its parks
Whether it’s cheese-rolling in Gloucestershire or pea-shooting in Witcham, plenty of regions of the UK have quirky customs that confuse visitors. For one Cambridgeshire city, the strange tradition is eel-throwing.
As you may have guessed, the city we are referring to is Ely. On Ely Eel Day, which typically falls in early May, residents go head-to-head in a toy eel throwing competition.
Many of the day’s festivities are held in Jubilee Gardens, where market stalls and food vendors are set up. It is unsurprising that this park, with its eel sculpture and perfectly-maintained flower beds, has been chosen as the centre of Ely Eel Day.
In fact, Jubilee Gardens have been handed a Green Flag Award this year, an accreditation only given to the highest-standard public spaces. It is one of just two Green Flag spots run by Cambridge City Council named this year.
As well as Ely Eel Day, this park hosts multiple concerts every summer and has held Pride events. It also offers a play area for toddlers, a bandstand, a water feature and an eel sculpture.
Jubilee Gardens have played an important role in the city since 2002, when they opened with great fanfare. The man behind this was none other than the late Prince Philip on Februrary 11, 2002, who opened the gardens to celebrate the Golden Jubilee year of Queen Elizabeth II.
