The Manchester Duck Race is back with a splash in Spinningfields for its sixth year on Good Friday.
Thousands of families will flock to the Spinningfields stretch of the River Irwell to watch their rubber ducks bob along in a bid to win a host of prizes and raise money for charity on April 3.
Those hoping to wing it on the day have to pay £1 to enter and will have the opportunity to buy a racing duck, with all proceeds going to local children’s charity Brainwave.
Libby Witherden, Head of Marketing and Events at Spinningfields, explained how she hopes the event would go swimmingly.
She said: “The Duck Race has become a real standout event on the Manchester calendar for both the public and the local companies who get involved.
“We’re as excited as ever to see the creativity behind the decorated ducks and are expecting some friendly rivalry within the Manchester business community while raising some money for a very worthy cause at the same time.”
A few feathers may get ruffled in an attempt to clinch one of the six top prizes, which include family tickets to the Opera House, vouchers for Carluccio’s, tickets to the Coronation Street Tour and £150 worth of vouchers for Duck and Cover clothing.
The day also involves a corporate race, in which businesses sponsor and decorate foot high rubber ducks.
The race winner will take home dinner for two at Hawksmoor, whilst the best dressed duck will receive dinner for four at Tattu.
A giant inflatable duck, sponsored by Duck and Cover clothing, will take up residence on Hardman Boulevard, and there are a number of additional activities including a hook a duck, cups and saucers, a safari train ride, chair-o-planes and a number of inflatables such as a bouncy castle and slide.
As well as the numerous restaurants on site, there will be several food vans selling the likes of candy floss, ice cream and hot food for attendees to peck at.
Bitter Twisted will be providing a VIP bar on the day as well as a bar for the general public on Crown Square, with a percentage of the proceeds donated to Brainwave.
There will also be performances throughout the day from Play Factore’s dance troupe Superkids.
The race is free to attend and will start at 2pm, with Heart Radio commentating on the event.
A robot duck race will also commence before the start of the official races.
See the pecking order for the Duck Race prizes for the Family Race below:
1st prize: £150 Duck and Cover clothing voucher
2nd prize: Meal for four at Carluccios
3rd prize: Meal for four at Scene
4th prize: Tickets for a family of four to the Opera house
5th prize: Tickets for a Coronation Street tour for four
6th prize: BUMPER PACKAGE bouquet from David Wayman, meal platter from Nandos and a £10 voucher from Hey Little Cupcake. Spinningfields:
Family ducks and corporate ducks can be purchased by clicking here.
Image courtesy of Steve Harris, with thanks.
