Giant ducks to take over Beccles?

A BECCLES version of last summer's Go Elephants art trail in Norwich could be “winging” its way to the town in July.

Liz Goldspink, deputy chairperson of the Beccles Duck Race, wants to launch a similar art trail in Beccles - but using giant ducks.

The event, which was inspired by last summer's event in Norwich where 50 life-size baby elephants were dotted around the city centre, would be part of the lead up to the Duck Race.

The ducks would be about a metre high, and, like at the Norwich event, would be decorated by local artists.

If sponsorship or grant funding can be achieved, it is hoped that the art trail would be in place in July or August, and the ducks could then be moved down onto the Quay for the Duck Race on Sunday October 4.

“It would bring lots of people into the town,” explained Mrs Goldspink. “I think an area that we didn't cover in last year's Duck Race was the art. We had a lot of attractions in terms of displays and fairground rides, but this would bring in the art community and make it more cultural. We could have one on the top of the church tower!”

Mrs Goldspink said she has already contacted Wild in Art, the company who provided the elephants for the Norwich event, who would charge �180 per duck.

The ducks would then go to an artist or group, who would decorate it how they choose.

Mrs Goldspink said that the Duck Race committee had already had a few ideas themselves, which they would be willing to pass on to any artists seeking inspiration: “We've got a list of funny ideas for ducks- Duck a l'Orange, or a David Duckinson duck like the antiques expert David Dickinson, which could be decorated with a perma-orange tan and a striped suit!”

Any companies who would like to support the project through sponsorship and advertising, or any artists or groups wishing to get involved, can contact Liz Goldspink on 07743132940 or email her at rickliz@btinternet.com.