Almost there – and the Ely Eel weekend and food festival is just days away.

Cambs Times: Ely Ely Festival and Ely Food and Drink FestivalEly Ely Festival and Ely Food and Drink Festival (Image: Archant)

The four day festival kicks off on Friday – including the world eel throwing championships on Saturday.

For serious – and not so serious food – lovers the weekend is full of special events, including a special two days commencing on Sunday.

Located on Palace Green, in the shadow of the magnificent Ely Cathedral, at the very heart of this historic city, there are over 60 artisan food and drink traders, an expansive street food scene and amazing celebrity chefs demonstrating in our fabulous Cookery Theatre, sponsored by G’s Fresh.

The street food scene, comprising of a range of culinary delights, which will tantalise your taste buds with the unusual, yet exquisitely put together combinations. Organisers have also put together a beer tent and cocktail bar with some easy listening live music to enjoy.

New to the event this year is the kitchen pantry which is located just off the main venue site on St Mary’s Green, outside the tourist information centre. Here you will find a selection of goodies to help stock your pantry, some handy gadgets and beautiful kitchenware along with a seating area and some scrumptious light bites.

celebrity chef Line up

The festival is also hosting internationally renowned chef Theo Randall on Monday. Described as “this country’s best non-Italian chef”, his reputation has soared since he opened his first restaurant in 2006.

Theo was formerly head chef and partner at The River Cafe, which was awarded its first Michelin Star under his direction. Theo’s rising profile has been enhanced by his many television appearances.

He will be cooking up something special in the cookery theatre.

On Sunday the guest will be Jane Devonshire who was crowned Master Chef 2016 champion in the 12th series of the hugely popular BBC One series.

The stay at home mum had an extraordinary final cook-off where she wowed judges John Torode and Gregg Wallace with her childhood-inspired menu which consisted of a Winkle starter, Indian-inspired Sunday Roast Lamb, and Rhubarb and Custard dessert.