East Cambridgeshire District Council

Ely’s Jubilee Gardens is celebrating its 10th birthday this week.

The Gardens were opened by HRH the Duke of Edinburgh on 11 February 2002 to celebrate the Golden Jubilee year of HM Queen Elizabeth II.

Over the years, the impressive Jubilee Gardens have become a part of Ely with it’s beautiful riverside setting and magnificent Cathedral backdrop.

Over the ten years, trees, flowers, sculptures and garden features have flourished thanks to the hard work of members of the Parks and Open Spaces team and the ‘Friends of Jubilee Gardens’.

The bandstand has also become a valued community facility for a wide variety of outdoor events such as fetes, fairs and open-air concerts

Councillor Tony Parramint, Chairman of East Cambridgeshire District Council, said: "In it’s ten years, Jubilee Gardens has grown into a wonderful place to visit no matter what time of year you wander down there. It has become a place where all residents can enjoy nature, tranquillity and – for the young children – it is a great place to play. It is a credit to the hard work and dedication of the Friends of Jubilee Gardens and the Open Spaces team from the Council who have, over the years, carefully nurtured and developed the area to become the lovely place it is today. It is no surprise to me that so many people value the Gardens and I am sure in years to come it will remain close to all our hearts."

Patricia Simmonds, The Chairman for the Friends, said: "Jubilee Gardens is a delightful place to visit for all ages and abilities. The diversity of the planting has created a variety of moods and features, from the Mediterranean dry garden, the Sensory garden, and the Winter Garden, all have different characters. The play area for young people is much used and the bandstand is host to a vast range of entertainments – it really is a great benefit to the community and visitors alike and has become a place to treasure. The hard work and devotion which so many people have put into it over the years has paid off and I am sure this will continue for many, many years to come."