Ducks by the thousand will be thrilling expectant crowds at the 2025 Canterbury Duck Race, run by the Rotary Club of Canterbury, on Sunday 21st September.
This iconic, annual event, which has become part of Canterbury’s social diary, will open the City’s Great Stour Riverfest, which features a series of exciting and fun events based around the river.
The Rotary Duck Race will be held on Sunday 21st September, with the fun starting at 1pm. All the action takes place at Westgate Gardens (near Westgate Towers).
Don’t forget to put a note in your diaries and calendars!
This year there’s an exciting bonus with TWO races instead of the usual one. The main event will be preceded by a new race exclusively for local businesses. For more details on that, click here.
The main race, which has been running for over 25 years and is FREE to attend, is a popular, family-friendly event – and lots of fun!
As usual, thousands of yellow ducks will be launched into the River Stour from the bridge by Toddler’s Cove and will “swim” towards the entrance to Westgate Gardens. We hope that the Lord Mayor of Canterbury will attend the launch.
Individuals can sponsor ducks for the Duck Race for £2 each in the build-up to the race (details below). The sponsor of the winning duck (first under the bridge) will win £500, with the second and third place prizes being £200 and £100 respectively.
The Duck Race is the Rotary Club’s biggest and most important fundraiser – all profits from the Race will go to the many local and international causes we support.
Volunteers will be in the water to ensure none of the ducks wander off and to ensure all ducks are collected back after the event. Members from all three Rotary Clubs in Canterbury (ours, Forest of Blean and Canterbury Sunrise) will be helping to staff the event.
We look forward to seeing you at our sponsorship stalls ahead of the race:
- Wednesday 3rd September, 09:30am-5:00pm, Whitefriars Square (opp. Boots)
- Wednesday 10th September, 09:30am-5:00pm, Whitefriars Square (opp. Boots)
- Saturday 13th September, 09:30am-5:00pm, Whitefriars Square (opp. Boots)
- Saturday 20th September, 09:30am-5:00pm, Whitefriars Square (opp. Boots)
Look out for our Facebook post for the Duck Race – and please share news of the Race with all your friends and family. We look forward to seeing you there!
Note: The time given is for the start of the race, weather conditions and any other restrictions allowing.
**Please arrive early if you want to sponsor a duck on the day.**
(Reproduced with permission)
The Great Stour Riverfest – organised by Canterbury City Council, Visit Canterbury and the local community – promises a lively series of events with something to interest the whole family between 21st and 28th September 2025.
You can find out more about the Great Stour Riverfest and other events here. Please contact Riverfest organisers if you have queries relating to other events.
