King’s Ely is proud of its work in educating the choristers of Ely Cathedral for over 1,000 years – which comes with a nod to Pancake Day. CambsNews popped into the cathedral to see some of the choristers busy practising for their traditional pancake race.
The 10 boys and girls, aged between 8 and 13, raced down the 12th century cathedral, which has one of the longest naves in Britain.
The youngsters take part in a pancake race every year on Shrove Tuesday and is a highlight for the choristers.
We caught them rehearsing for the big day itself, March 4, when they were joined by musicians and clergy to race down the cathedral nave.
Being a chorister is mostly more serious, as King’s Ely says, it comes with “transferrable skills of commitment, rigour, attention to detail, confidence, and performance skills, it’s an experience that stays with students forever.
“The choristers’ cathedral duties take place mainly before and after school, allowing them full access to the exceptional range of academic, musical, and sporting opportunities available at King’s Ely Prep.
“All choristers receive individual vocal tuition and are expected to learn at least one other instrument. They receive tuition in general musicianship and music theory”.
Choristers also enjoy the same school holidays as other King’s Ely pupils, with the exception of Christmas and Easter. They spend the four days leading up to these two important festivals preparing for major services and concerts.
“For many students this is the highlight of the year,” says King’s Ely.
