Kenilworth’s iconic Boxing Day “duck race” saw huge crowds gather at Finham brook in Abbey Fields. The weather was kind, the sun shone and despite it being a bit chilly, the scene was set for another thrilling event!
This year we saw a huge increase in interest from our local businesses and other organisations and the Corporate Duck category became a real attraction in its own right. Ok, so the 1500 yellow ducks that have become such a Boxing Day spectacle will always be the main event for the vast majority of Kenilworth, but…….??
The first event, the Corporate Duck Race saw 70 decoy ducks dressed by the businesses and community groups that sponsored them, parade both on dry land and then in the brook. The judging for title of “best dressed duck” had already taken place before race day by the Mayor of Kenilworth, James Kennedy. The creativity, workmanship and standard of the dressed ducks is absolutely incredible, so please have a look at both the winners and all the entries here.
Having strutted their stuff and created a huge amount of public interest for people of all ages, it was down to the serious business (well maybe not!) of the race from the Ford down to the finishing line. The crowds cheered, the media recorded every event as some flipped (more interested in riverbed feeding) the odd one sank, but the vast majority paddled down Finham brook in search of glory and the acclaim of a top three finishing position in this most unusual event.
On the tails of the corporate ducks, some 1500 little yellow ducks literally flew into the stream, having been released from the Ford bridge by the mayor. Creating a bit of a splash and a sudden sea of yellow, they quickly made their way along the brook navigating rapids, eddies and other natural obstacles in their endeavour to reach the finishing line and one of the top cash prizes.
This year you’ve raised a staggering estimated net figure of over £11,000 of which all profit will go to support Lion’s approved causes, the vast majority of which will be local to Kenilworth. This is one of the Kenilworth Lions biggest fundraisers made entirely by the generosity and good-natured spirit of the people of Kenilworth and surrounding locations. Congratulations and thank you!!
We thank Warwick District Council who provided stewards on the day and have cleared many of the natural obstacles on both sides of the Brook which created a much larger viewing area for the spectators.
We’d like to thank St John Ambulance and Adam Berresford-Browne, Kenilworth Event Services who provided their professional support. We’d also like to thank all the Kenilworth Lions members that threw themselves into this event and in particular the “Friends of Lions” volunteers whom without which we’d struggle to run this event on the day. And finally a big thanks to the following local businesses who supported ticket sales and enables us “to serve” our local community. Waitrose, Iceland, Morning Sunshine, Charlotte’s, Kenilworth Books, Helen’s Wool and Cotton Crafts, Gentry Hair Salon, Castle Home Luxuries and Time for Tea.
Duck Race Winners 2025
Corporate Race (Can these be linked to their websites please)
Corporate Ducks – Fastest
Virgins & Castle
Mettle & Grace
Greens of Kenilworth
Best Dressed Duck Winner – Helen’s Wool & Cotton Crafts
