Bibury Duck Race

The Boxing Day Bibury Duck Race returns in 2011, so wrap up warm and cheer on the ducks when the festivities get underway in aid of local charities.

The annual Bibury Duck Race is another of Gloucestershire’s more unusual traditions, pulling in the crowds from far and wide each year on Boxing Day, and 2011 will be no exception.

Every year at 11am on Boxing Day the small, picturesque and tranquil village of Bibury is transformed as thousands of spectators wrap up in the their woolly hats and scarves to gather along the River Coln which runs through the village.

While it’s hard to imagine what could attract so many people away from the comfort of their homes – with warm fires to sit by, Christmas presents to enjoy and tins of Roses sweets to indulge in – it soon becomes clear when as many as 100 decoy ducks are released to race down the river in a unique spectacle.

While the history of the Bibury Duck Race is unknown, the family-favourite tradition dates back at least a good few decades, with regulars and newcomers turning up to cheer on the ducks in the Bibury Cricket Club-organised event.

And, as well as being a great spot of festive fun, each of the ducks can be sponsored for £10 – with the person who’s duck crosses the finish line first getting to nominate which charity they would like all of the day’s proceeds to go to.

While the nearby The Swan Hotel usually has 21 ducks reserved each year – one for each of its rooms – tickets to sponsor the ducks are quickly snapped up, available from organisers standing on the bridge just before the race.

Even if you don’t get chance to cheer on your own duck as it bobs its way down the river, there will be plenty of mulled wine, mince pies and a truly festive spirit making this a not-to-be-missed Gloucestershire tradition.

Plus, having been cancelled in 2010 due to freezing weather conditions, this year’s event is expected to be better than ever before.