Soak Up the Fun at Ely Aquafest!

The Story of Aquafest

We began in 1978 as a small riverside gathering, 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 aquatic competition, performances, food vendors, and community activities!

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. As we look to the future, we are expanding our presence to take on the full management of the festival. For us, this transition is a natural progression of our long-standing commitment to the city and a way to guarantee that this beloved 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.