Rotary Club of Canterbury Annual Duck Race - for charity & good causes
Date: 20 September 2026
Time: 12.30 - 2pm
Thousands of bright yellow ducks will take to the River Stour for Canterbury's much-loved Rotary Duck Race at Westgate Gardens on Sunday 20 September, the first day of the Stour Valley Riverfest. The event is a fun family spectacle, with crowds gathering along the river to cheer on the ducks as they "race" from Toddler’s Cove towards the finish.
The main race will be preceded by the Mayoral Punt Procession (led by the Lord Mayor of Canterbury) as well as the Corporate Duck Race. The event is the Rotary Club of Canterbury’s biggest fundraiser, helping to support a wide range of local and international charities and community projects. There's a £500 prize for the the sponsor of the winning duck. Ducks will be available for sponsorship in the run up to the race (with a limited number being available on race day itself) - further details can be found on the Rotary Club of Canterbury's Facebook event. Make sure you come early for a good vantage point. There’s no charge to come along and watch, so bring the family, find a good spot by the river and get ready to cheer on the ducks.
We hope to have a QUACKing good time! (Note: All timings are approximate and dependant on local conditions. Photos will be taken during the event).
Free to attend
