There was a great turnout for the town’s annual Duck Race sponsored by Puddle Ducks.
Residents and visitors flocked to Westbury Garden early in the morning to sponsor ducks for the race, get the best viewing spot and to enjoy refreshments.
As a result of lengthy discussions with our resident swan, we decided the Town Bridge launch point would be safe for all.
A huge cheer went up as 1,000 yellow ducks and 50 blue ducks were tipped into the river. This marked the beginning of both the Duck Race and the first Business Duck Race.
The blue ducks were new this year, sponsored by the local businesses to make the first ever Business Duck Race.
Did anyone spot the Mother Puddle Duck who followed the race downstream?
Councillor Katie Vigar, Mayor of Bradford on Avon said: “It was wonderful to see so many people at today’s duck race, one of our most popular community events.
“Residents and visitors alike seemed to be having a great time. We are now excited to look ahead to our Coronation events in May and our town music festival in June.”
The winners of our 2023 Duck Race were:
1st Place: Harlow Brown has won 10 free swimming lessons with Puddle Ducks, for children aged 0-4, worth over £150
2nd Place: Isabelle Coveney has won a duck feet photo frame from Dible & Roy
3rd Place: Katherine Pitman has won a beautiful bird ornament from Strawberry Blue
Puddle the Duck and Councillor Vigar gave out the prizes to the happy winners.
Dible & Roy has won the very first Business Duck Race and received a glass trophy to proudly display.
Money raised from the Duck Race goes to funding other Town Council community events.
Thank you to all of the stall holders, Burbidge Electrical Contractors and to the Canoe Club who collect the ducks from the river every year.