The ‘Grand Annual Duck Race’, which sees over two thousand sponsored plastic ducks race along the Itchen from Mansbridge to Woodmill, looks set to go ahead on Bank Holiday Monday (Aug 30) from 2.30pm, after last year’s cancellation.

With proceeds going to charitable causes, and a draw planned if the race can’t go ahead for any reason, people can sponsor a duck for £1, in the hope of winning a £250 first prize, £125 second prize and £100 third.

Ducks ready for the off. Pic: Anne Mainwaring

Always popular with locals, crowds generally form in Riverside Park to cheer the ducks on their way along the non-tidal stretch of water north of Woodmill– the reason the race couldn’t go ahead last year.

This year it’s organised by Swanwick and Eastleigh Lions Clubs, and tickets can either be bought from a stand next to the river near Woodmill when operating, or apparently via the Eastleigh Lions’ website.

“Hopefully [the race] will provide a welcome boost to our charity funds for us to help local good causes,” says the Eastleigh Lions site.