Annual duck race to return this weekend with hundreds of rubber duckies (2025)

It wouldn’t be Easter weekend without a bit of quacking good fun, right?

Hundreds of bright yellow rubber ducks are set to take to their voyage on Easter Friday as the beloved Quays Easter Duck Race makes its big return to Greater Manchester.

The annual charity fundraiser, which will take place in Salford Quays on Good Friday (April 17), will see a large number of little ducks descend on one of Manchester’s Ship Canal basins in the ultimate race.

Held in aid of the MedEquip4Kids charity, which provides vital equipment and facilities not available from limited NHS resources to children and babies, the race is usually a big crowd-pleaser with families and there are always plenty of prizes to be won.

Each duck is given a number and then thrown into the water to see how it fares in the gruelling and often choppy race route. The first three ducks to wing it past the finish line will be named the ultimate of all the ducks and earn quacking rights for the rest of eternity.

Last year’s winners won a number of vouchers to local businesses and online stores, as well as other goodies. It costs just £2.50 to take part in the community duck race, which is expected to begin just after 3pm by the Salford Watersports Centre.

But the festivities will begin far sooner with the event officially getting underway at 12.30pm with food stalls, entertainment, fairground rides and even an appearance from Salford’s Fire Brigade.

There will be two races on the day itself - with duck representatives of corporate sponsors first taking to the waters as part of a Mega Duck race. Following that, it will be the larger community race, which saw close to 1,000 participants last year despite the rain.

Over the years, the race has seen a number of duckly participants dress up for the occasion, with the Minions and monsters proving to be some of the most popular choices in recent races.

Those feeling ducky with their chances can pay for their participation online now, with on-the-day sales available at the venue until 2.30pm. Ducks can be bought here.

The Quays Easter Duck Race will take place - come rain or shine - at Salford Quays from 12.30pm, with races set to begin from 3pm.

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