Ely Market is hosting a weekend of fun community events to mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.

On Friday 3 June, there will be a special Platinum Jubilee Celebration Market, and all the regular markets will take place as usual on Thursday, Saturday and Sunday.

The Platinum Jubilee Celebration Market is on Friday 3 June, 9am-4pm. There will be a range of free entertainment on the main Market Place, including a performance by local choir SING! at 10am and 12 noon and the Stumpy Oak Ceilidh Band from 1.30-3.45pm. There will also be spontaneous walkabout street theatre by the Hocus Pocus Theatre Company throughout the afternoon.

Re-Imagine Resource Centre will be hosting a free ‘Eco-Hatters’ pop-up craft event all day for children to make a special Jubilee hat and take a commemorative selfie. 4 th Dimension Dance will be performing a showcase of dance at 11am and Steve Tucker, a local airbrush artist, will also be in residence with his special customised Jubilee motorbike.

“The Platinum Jubilee is all about making memories,” says Julia Davis of Ely Markets. “Our special celebration on Friday 3 June is a chance for the whole community to gather together and enjoy a day to remember. Come and dance with our ceilidh band, Stumpy Oak – or why not sit back and enjoy the show from one of our new deckchairs? Children will love our free ‘Eco Hatters’ craft pop-up where you can decorate a wonderful hat to wear over the weekend!” There will be plenty of seating available on the main Market Place and lots of delicious food and drinks to choose from – including wood-fired pizza, locally brewed beer, picnic fare, cakes and more.

In addition to the entertainment on the main square, there will also be craft stalls and local artisan food on Market Street and Dolphin Lane. “We’ve got a lovely selection of craft and food stalls booked for our Jubilee Celebration Market,” says Julia Davis.

“Many of our talented regular traders will be showcasing unique new products and we’ve also got enough delicious foodie options to keep the whole family happy. While you browse our stalls, look out for the special walkabout street entertainment from Hocus Pocus Theatre and artist Steve Tucker, who will be custom spray-painting his motorbike with a special Jubilee design live at the market!” As well as the Platinum Jubilee Celebration Market on Friday 3 June, Ely Market will be running its usual weekly markets on Thursday 2 June, Saturday 4 June and Sunday 5 June. Visitors can stock up on treats for the weekend – or relax with a cup of coffee and some street food. There will be special Jubilee extras at these markets too, including a performance by the Isle of Ely School of Irish Dancing on Sunday at 12 noon.

“Whatever day you decide to visit, we’ll have something special to make your weekend memorable” says Julia Davis. “Whether it’s relaxing in one of our new deckchairs, finding the perfect commemorative souvenir, dancing with your friends or enjoying some street food in the sunshine, we can help you make the whole Jubilee weekend one to remember!”

Dates for your diary:

Thursday 2 June: Charter Market, 8.30am-3.30pm

Friday 3 June: Platinum Jubilee Market Celebration, 9am-4pm

Saturday 4 June: Craft, Food & Vintage Market, 8.30am-3.30pm

Sunday 5 June: Sunday Market, 9am-4pm

Friday 3 June: Platinum Jubilee Market Celebration Schedule: 10am: SING! Choir 11am: 4 th Dimension Dance Showcase 12 noon: SING! Choir 1.30-3.45pm: Stumpy Oak Ceilidh - plus live walkabout theatre by Hocus Pocus from 11.30am