Event: https://facebook.com/events/s/lyme-regis-easter-monday-duck-/861226126549088/
Everyone goes a bit quackers at midday on Easter Monday as hundreds of individually numbered bright yellow toy ducks are released into the River Lym at Windsor Terrace where they hurtle downstream in a mad charge towards the finish line at Jordan Flats.
Ducks cost £1 and can be purchased online at lymechristmaslights.co.uk/buyducks or on the day from 11.15am at the start, assuming they’ve not sold out beforehand.
After plunging into the river, the bath time companions negotiate the relatively calm waters by Windsor Terrace before the fearless racers gather pace after descending the potentially treacherous weir at Woodmead Road bridge. They then wind their way around the bend at Lymbrook Cottages, before riding out the bumps and dips along the stretch by Jericho with some final jostling for position with the finish line in sight.
Town Crier Alan Vian alongside Virgil Turner and John King will officially start the race. Virgil and John were the Christmas lights installation team for many years and have now both stepped down. They will get the honour of starting the race in recognition of their service.
Supporters can cheer on the ducks from the river bank until the finish further down the river at Jordan Flats.
There will be a host of cash prizes for the first, second and third ducks over the finish line and a bonus prize for the last duck that manages to negotiate the river course.
1st duck across the finish line wins £100
2nd £50
3rd £20
Last duck home £10
The organisers take their environmental responsibilities seriously and ensure all plastic ducks are captured in a giant net just after the finish line and stored until they race again.
Thanks for Lyme Regis Marine Aquarium for sponsoring the event.
All proceeds to Lyme Regis Christmas Lights 2026 fund.