Thousands of ducks set to race through Sheffield park in annual Easter tradition
Residents across Sheffield are being invited to take part in one of the city’s most popular community events as the annual Duck Race in Endcliffe Park returns this Easter Monday.
The much-loved fundraiser will take place on April 6, with thousands of yellow plastic ducks set to launch into the River Porter at 2pm.
Organised by the Friends of the Porter Valley, the event has been running annually since 2009 -apart from a short break during the Covid-19 pandemic - and continues to draw large crowds each year.
This year, proceeds from the race will go towards new equipment at Forge Dam Playground, supporting improvements to a well-used local family space.
Participants can enter by “adopting” ducks, either individually for £1 or as a family bundle of six for £5.
Ducks can be purchased online up until 2pm on race day, or in person at Endcliffe Park and Forge Dam cafés from February 28, as well as at stalls on the day.
Due to high demand and multiple sales points, some duck numbers may be shared by more than one entrant.
Organisers say that in the event of a winning number being duplicated, all owners will be contacted and awarded prizes.
Around 2,500 numbered ducks will be released from a launching tower just below the weir above Holme Wheel Dam.
They will then travel roughly 450 metres downstream before being captured near the finish line between the park café and playground.
The first 40 ducks to cross the finish line will be recorded and verified by organisers, with winners announced online in the days following the race.
Spectators are encouraged to arrive early, with stalls opening from 11am, and to gather along the route to watch the spectacle unfold.
A wide range of prizes have already been confirmed, including:
- A £100 voucher from Pagets Builders Merchants
- Two matchday tickets for Sheffield United
- A six-month membership to Firehouse Fitness
- A day trip for two from Maxfield Travel
- Meals at local venues including The Rising Sun and The Stag’s Head
- A case of Henderson’s Relish
Additional prizes include vouchers, experiences and locally sourced goods from businesses across the city.
The Duck Race has become a staple of Sheffield’s Easter calendar, combining family-friendly entertainment with grassroots fundraising.
Organisers are encouraging attendees to bring cameras and share photos from the day, helping to capture what has become one of the city’s most recognisable and well-supported community events.