Soak Up the Fun at Ely Aquafest!

Ely Aquafest - Every first Sunday of July

Family Fun

Raft Race Teams will compete in a fun-filled event, starting at Lavender Green, racing the Cutter Inn, and returning to the start. A shorter course is set for Younger People. Landside stalls, arenas acts provide entertainment throughout the day supported by food outlets. It all starts at 11am.

Local Charity Causes

Since 1978, Rotary Ely has organised Aquafest as a free event, to thank local people for the support offered at fundraising events throughout the year. Any proceeds from the event will go towards supporting local Rotary Charities.

Join in!

Get involved by building your own raft, gathering your team, and joining us for a day of fun. Details and entry forms are available from our partners. Aquafest@elydistrictscouts.org.uk

Annual Tradition

A fun packed atmosphere that has made Aquafest a must-attend event. Held on the 1 st Sunday in July every year. For further details of how to enter a stall, however small or large contact Aquafest@rotaryclubofely.co.uk

The Story of Aquafest, since 1978

A small riverside gathering in 1978, Ely Aquafest has grown into the region's premier water festival. What began with just a few boat races and a small crowd has evolved into a full day of raft races, together with land based performances, wide ranging food vendors, and community activities for all ages and abilities.

Located on the beautiful banks of the Great Ouse River, the festival celebrates our community's connection to water and brings together hundreds of visitors each year to enjoy the summer sunshine and riverside atmosphere.

The Rotary Club of Ely has been an integral part of the Aquafest story since the very beginning, and we are incredibly proud to continue this flagship event and we Rotary Ely aim to ensure that our beloved Aquafest tradition remains in safe, local hands.

By stepping into this leading role, we aim to build upon the solid foundation laid over the past four decades. Our members are dedicated to overseeing every detail of the planning and execution, ensuring that the transition is seamless for our visitors, participants, and partners. Our goal is simple: to protect the heritage of Aquafest while providing the logistical support needed to help it flourish in a modern era.

Event Map

Get Involved

Raft Race, Stalls & Volunteering

Rotary Ely & Ely District Scouts are working in partnership to organise the 2026 Raft Race, held on the River Great Ouse between Lavender Green and Jubilee Gardens, Ely.

Raft Race Categories:

  • 11–14 years (on-the-day built traditional barrel raft)
  • 14–17 years (pre-built or assembled on the day)
  • 18+ (pre-built or assembled on the day)
  • Adult traditional barrel rafts
  • Purpose-built fun rafts

Key rules: No power assistance. Participants must be able to swim. Buoyancy aids are required, and under 18s must wear helmets.

Entry is free—just build a raft that floats, looks great, and is powered by paddles. Local businesses are encouraged to create teams and set challenges!

Our Sponsors