Thousands of yellow ducks took to the River Marden on Saturday as crowds gathered for the 37th annual Calne Lions Duck Race on Saturday.
The popular community event brought families into the town centre for a day of racing, stalls, markets and entertainment across the Wharf Gardens, Pocket Park and Town Hall.
The event featured the traditional “Big Duck” races, including business and duckling competitions, before the main event saw 3,500 small yellow ducks released into the river.
The new Calne Town Mayor, Tim Havenith judged the best dressed ducks for the race, he told us: "It was a real pleasure to choose the best dressed ducks for the Calne Lions Duck Race.
"The imagination and care that went into every single entry were lovely to see, and it genuinely wasn't an easy decision. My children had a brilliant time and certainly had their own favourites, but I chose the designs that stood out to me on the day.
"Every entrant should feel proud of what they created. My thanks go to the Calne Lions for organising such a joyful event and for their continued dedication to our town."
Among this year’s winners, Cherhill CE Primary School claimed first place in the Best Dressed Duckling category, with Priestley Primary School finishing runner-up.
In the Best Dressed Duck competition, Calne Crochet & Needlecraft Club took the top prize ahead of Heddington Amateur Dramatic Society.
St Edmunds Catholic Primary School won the Ducklings Race, followed by 1st Calne Scouts in second and Springfields Academy in third.
The Business Duck Race was won by The Dog House Tap Room, with Calne Crochet & Needlecraft Club second and Wessex Water third.
The Little Yellow Duck Race also handed out cash prizes, with ticket 2207 winning £250, ticket 36 winning £150 and ticket 958 winning £75.
Calne Lions said afterwards: “Wow, what a day! The weather held for us just about and there was a fantastic turnout to see all the ducks racing.
“Most of our Lions have been working hard all day and are now totally ‘quackered’.”
This year’s event also included the Love Calne Market, a Makers Market in the Town Hall and a heritage trail.
The annual Duck Race remains one of Calne’s biggest community events and a major fundraiser for local causes supported by Calne Lions.
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