The town of Calne was awash in yellow on Saturday as the annual Calne Lions Duck Race 2025 drew massive crowds to the River Marden.
Residents and visitors alike, including some from our twin town Caln Township, USA, flocked to the riverside to witness the spectacle of the Calne Duck Race 2025.
Beyond the riverbanks, the festive atmosphere extended into the heart of Calne, with a bustling craft fair inside the Town Hall and vibrant stalls and family fun at the Wharf Gardens, all accompanied by a lively soundtrack provided by Eartunes Radio.
Amongst the community stalls at the Wharf Gardens was Calne Men's Shed (not just for men) who were selling some of there beautiful wooden crafts . Polly Morrow from the shed told us: "The Duck Race, as usual was organised to the nth degree. It was an extremely enjoyable day with the heats for the finalist ducks being viewed with maximum attendance.
"This was the first year I could witness one of the early races which always very enjoyable. I liked that the winning ducks were placed on the grass beside the bridge so we could admire the hard work that the entrants made dressing them for their big day.
"Thank you to Alison and her team. What a well organised, fun day they deliver."
Calne Bike Meet, Calne RBL, Calne Army Cadets, Calne WI, and Heart of the Community and many others were on site with raffles, tombolas and games.
We also met Yullia from S&S Bakery who was selling some of her baked goods. Yullia came to Calne from the Ukraine in 2022 and has set up her own business offering an excellent selection of breads that can be made suitable for vegans and dairy free and cakes which can be made gluten free, lactose free and suitable for vegans too.
Calne Town Mayor, Ian Thorn, judged the coveted "Best Dressed Duck" competition. Cherhill CE Primary School took home the top prize in the 'Best Dressed Duckling' category, with Heddington CE Primary School as the runner-up.
In the 'Best Dressed Duck' competition, Fay's Bistro emerged victorious, followed by the Royal British Legion in second place.
Friends of Fynamore School clinched first place in the Ducklings Race, followed by Cherhill Preschool and Springfields Academy in second and third place respectively.
DMN UK Ltd paddled their way to victory in the Business Duck Race, with Caln Township USA taking second place and Giles & Dening Ltd securing third. The climax of the day, the Little Yellow Duck Race, saw ticket holders eagerly awaiting the results. The winning ticket numbers were Ticket 313, claiming the £250 prize, Ticket 559 taking home £150, and Ticket 795 winning £75.
The Calne Lions expressed their gratitude for the overwhelming support, stating, "Yesterday was amazing, and we have so many thanks to give. Organising the Duck Race is an enormous undertaking and we couldn't do it without the help of a great many people... But the day wouldn't have been the success it was without everyone buying tickets, coming out to watch, supporting the Community stalls and creating the fantastic atmosphere we had for Duck Race 2025, so thank you!"
With the ducks safely back in storage, the Calne Lions have already promised their return next year.
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