Beccles Town Council pleas for ducks to return for 2025 race

Now in Beccles, a wanted poster of a different and more light-hearted nature has gone out.

Beccles Town Council has issued an appeal to find a host of plastic ducks to help resurrect an annual family fun tradition.

The council is planning to bring back the Beccles duck race.

It has sent out a plea for “1,000s of missing ducks” to be returned to the council and as part of its appeal has issued its own wanted poster.

They were last seen at Beccles Quay duck race in 2019, the last time the event took place.

The reward for their return is for the duck race to potentially return in 2025.

The council has issued a poster in hopes the ducks will be returned (Image: Beccles Town Council) READ MORE: Town gets set to go quackers as duck race returns for 15th year

Paul Cunningham, town clerk for Beccles Town Council, said: “We are trying to get the race going again next year.

“But first, we need to find the ducks.”

Councillors are in search for all ducks including ducklings and corporate ones.

The council is currently negotiating with Beccles Rugby Club to take over the running of the event after listening to locals' questions of "when will it return?".

The Beccles and Bungay Journal had proudly entered its own duck for some races.

The Beccles Lido duck and Big Dog Ferry duck are ready to race again (Image: Beccles Lido) READ MORE: The Needlecraft Shop in Beccles to stay under new owner

Matt Day, general manager for Beccles Lido, said they had two ducks raring to take part and hoped more will be found.

Mr Day said: "The ducks have been kept nice and safe ready for the event to resume.

"We hope the other ducks can be found."

The wanted ducks at a previous race in Beccles. Photo: Nick Butcher. (Image: Archant © 2010)The Beccles and Bungay Journal decorated duck ready for the Bungay duck race in 2016. (Image: Nick Butcher) Michelle Payne painted a different Beccles and Bungay Journal duck for the Beccles Duck Race (Image: James Bass)READ MORE: New details revealed for Beccles' first Soapbox Derby

The duck race first began in 2004, and became an annual event for everybody to enjoy as thousands of colourful ducks could be spotted on the River Waveney.

2019 was the 16th Beccles duck race and was organised by Catherine Griggs.

The event boasted a range of entertainment, including a dog show, craft stalls and games.  

Unfortunately, plans for the annual race in 2020 came to an abrupt end when Covid-19 regulations came into place.

The council is urging to the public to get in contact with them if they see any sightings of the ducks at 01502 712109 or events@becclestowncouncil.gov.uk