Bibury Boxing Day Duck Race

If you've had enough of the sofa by Boxing Day, Bibury has a rather different way to spend the morning. Thousands of yellow rubber ducks will be racing along the River Coln, with families gathering to cheer them on from the riverbank. You can even sponsor a duck for £2, with the money helping to support Bibury Cricket Club.

Bibury Boxing Day Duck Race 2026

• Date: Saturday 26th December 2026

• Cost: £2 to sponsor a duck. Five ducks for £10 or ten for £20.

• Location: River Coln, Bibury, Gloucestershire

• Book: Sponsor a duck through the official 2026 Crowdfunder

A Boxing Day race with a difference

Forget racing cars or running shoes. In Bibury, it's thousands of little yellow ducks competing to see which can make it down the River Coln first.

Each sponsored duck has its own number, and the fastest ducks win prizes for their sponsors. The organisers are still gathering prizes for the 2026 race, so the full list hasn't been announced yet.

You don't have to sponsor a duck to enjoy watching the spectacle, although supporting one adds a bit of excitement when you're trying to spot your winner among thousands of identical yellow competitors.

Sponsor a duck and support village cricket

The race raises money for Bibury Cricket Club, helping the club maintain its ground and facilities, buy equipment and provide opportunities for younger players.

Sponsoring a duck costs £2, and you can enter as many as you like. You can also support the event even if you won't be in Bibury on Boxing Day.

The official 2026 Crowdfunder is accepting pledges until 6th December 2026, so it's worth sorting your duck sponsorship before then.

And if you're wondering what happens to all those plastic ducks afterwards, the organisers confirm that they're collected from the river once the racing is over.

Good to know before you go

The race takes place outdoors along the River Coln, so dress for a chilly December morning and wear footwear suitable for potentially wet ground.

Bibury is a popular Cotswold village, particularly around Arlington Row, so allow extra time for your journey rather than assuming you'll be able to park close to the river.