Newbury Duck Race 2025 - organised by Newbury Lions - raises £2,000 to help local people in need

Picture special: Please scroll right to the bottom to see all the photos taken by our photographer Phil Cannings.

Thousands of people flocked to Newbury to enjoyed the annual duck race - and raised more than double last year’s total for a good cause.

A total of 1,000 ducks were sold out well ahead of the race, which is organised by Newbury Lions.

The yellow plastic birds were tipped into the water by the Lock, Stock and Barrel pub in the town centre on Sunday and it was then a quack and dash to the finish line near Victoria Park.

Spectators then rushed along the canal path to follow the progress of their ducks, before the winners were announced.

Margo Payne, a past president of Newbury Lions and one of the organisers on the day, said: “It was a very successful event. We sold out all our tickets and people were very generous donating as well as buying tickets so we have raised over £2,000 for our welfare fund.

“The towpath was crammed with people cheering the ducks on and Kennet Radio ran a live racing commentary from the minute they entered the water!

“We had three very happy winners. Two were there to collect second and third prize and we rang one very happy lady to inform her that her duck won!

“The Lions are very grateful for all the support from the Lock, Stock and Barrel, who sponsored us, as well as support from The Ugly Duckling Pottery, The Newbury BID, the NWN and Kennet Radio.”

And the event itself did prove slightly mystifying to the swans and geese already paddling around by the American bridge when their plastic counterparts arrived.

Mrs Payne said that thanks to the sponsorship from the town centre pub, all money raised can now go straight into the Lions’ welfare fund, which offers support grants monthly for a range of items from a stairgate to a washing machine.

The total raised was double the amount raised by the event last year.

And then hot on the heels of the duck race will be the Lions’ Speen Fete, which is being held on Saturday, June 7.

The popular event gives charities and small businesses a platform to advertise their services and this year, there’s a new surprise planned.

In collaboration with Visit Newbury, it involves some high-powered cars of Italian origin… but organisers have promised to share more details nearer the time!

Newbury Lions are always on the look out for like-minded people to help them organise and deliver these fun community events.

The proceeds from them are used to support local people in need.

If you would like to know more just email president@newburylions.org.uk