Quacky races see hundreds of ducks and thousands of people descend on Beccles

Beccles Raft Race (Image: ©archant2015)

The Beccles Duck Race attracted about 2,000 people to the quay yesterday (Saturday), with entertainment aplenty provided.

About 1,000 ducks of all shapes and sizes took part in three fun-filled races, while ten local businesses also battled it out in the inaugural raft race.

With the event being organised by Beccles Rugby Club for the second successive year, Gareth Hadridge, from the club, was delighted with how everything had gone.

“It was a very good event,” he said. “Everyone thoroughly enjoyed it and all in all it was a fantastic day.”

Beccles Raft Race (Image: ©archant2015)

The entertainment started at noon at Beccles Quay with a demonstration by Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service, a display from Hawking Experience and live music.

At 2pm, the inaugural raft race took place along the same stretch of water where the ducks would soon be paddling. Mr Hadridge said: “This is the 11th year of the duck race, so we introduced the raft race this year – and it provided lots of excitement.

“We have had lots of companies tell us that they want to do it next year as it was such a success.”

With the ducks sold to schoolchildren and businesses in north Suffolk, there was a colourful army of aquatic plastic animals released from the bridge as the brightly decorated ducks – in wacky colours and themes – made their way through the town via the River Waveney.

With races for small ducks, corporate ducks and remote controlled ducks, the contests lasted for about an hour, before the various winners were crowned. And then the entertainment continued late into Saturday night with more live music.

See this week’s Journal for a full report and more pictures.