Time to Celebrate the Fens this weekend
Celebrate the Fens returns for its second year this weekend (18 to 20) and it promises to be bigger and better.
Organised by Karen Merrison, creator of the Fascinating Fens site, the aim of the event, which was forced to go virtual when it was held for the first time in 2020, is to showcase the Fenland area and this year there is much for people to enjoy.
Karen, an occupational therapist whose passion for the area she was born and grew up in inspired Fascinating Fens, said: “We have a bigger range of events this year, and it’s great that people can attend in person as opposed to last year.
"I want to thank everyone who has come forward and offered to be part of our programme which offers plenty of variety across the Fens area.
"We also want to make it an interactive event so over the weekend, people can get involved on social media by sending images and anything else Fen related by using the #CelebrateTheFens."
Events and activities including the opening of Wisbech Castle gardens, where visitors can also enjoy tours, exhibition stalls and a trip into the underground vaults.
There are walking tours at places such as Chatteris Little Acre Pocket Park, Great Fen nature walk, as well as the Fen Edge Trail at Thorney: all of which must be booked in advance.
The Babylon Gallery in Ely is hosting an exhibition titled ‘Edge of the Fens’ which offers different perspectives on the landscape of the Fens and Fen Speak are encouraging people to get involved with poetry.
There are also virtual activities such as competitions, virtual tours, printable colouring sheets for bunting making and links to self-guided walks.
Local schools and community groups are also getting involved. While Cambridgeshire libraries are doing a 24 hour Fen-a-thon on social media, with online Fen stories and books carousel and Wisbech Library has it's own exhibition.
The Hereward the Wake Challenge cup also continues on Celebrate the Fens Day (Saturday), with the fundraisers walking from Ramsey Abbey site to Peterborough Cathedral.
There are other events in the Fens including Crowland Abbey Open day and King's Lynn River and Shakespeare Guildhall Theatre.
Celebrate the Fens will be launched by author and archaeologist, Francis Pryor who will be speaking at a Fen Folks Friday online event on Friday evening.
Anyone wishing to register for this, and who wants more information on the Celebrate the Fens event should visit www.fascinatingfens.com. The same website also has information on how to submit pictures for the 2022 Fenland calendar.
