Sidmouth Duck Derby makes a comeback next month

Sidmouth's Duck Derby is about to take to the water again.

The event, organised by Sidmouth Lions, will be held on Sunday, September 12, raising money for the Devon Air Ambulance Trust and the Lions' charity account through which it supports community causes.

Although the Covid pandemic prevented the Lions from holding any of their usual fundraising events over the last 17 months, the club has still donated more than £8,000 to local organisations and individuals in need. By supporting the Duck Derby, local people will put more money into that account so that the Lions can continue helping their community.

What time does Sidmouth Duck Derby start?

As usual, the Duck Derby will take place at The Byes, starting at 2.15pm with the children's Duck & Spoon races next to the Lawn Vista cycle bridge. These races are mainly for children aged up to 11, but parents and grandparents will be invited to have a go afterwards.

The main race will start at 3pm from the Lawn Vista Cycle Bridge, with hundreds of little yellow ducks launched into the River Sid and racing downstream to the finishing line at the base of the big weir, just upstream of the Salcombe Road bridge.

The owners of the first 19 ducks will each receive a cash prize from a pot totalling more than £1,000. First prize is £400, second prize £100, third £75, along with six £40 and ten £20 prizes.

Where can I buy my tickets?

Tickets for the yellow ducks race, costing £1 each, can be bought now from the Sidmouth Lions' stand outside Coastline Mobility, Tuesday to Saturday, from 10am until 3pm.

From August 24 there will also be ticket-selling stands outside the Co-op from 10am until 5pm and the Cornish Bakery from 10am until early afternoon. The stand will be at Lidl on Saturdays August 28 and September 4 and 11.

Tickets can also be bought from Paper Moon in Fore Street, 83 for Cards in High Street, and Woolbrook News.