The Manchester Duck Race returns to New Bailey

2019 marks the 10th anniversary of one of Manchester’s most popular Easter traditions, as the Duck Race returns to New Bailey to raise money for children’s charity, Brainwave.

The event, sponsored by Bathroom Takeaway, will take place along the River Irwell at New Bailey on Good Friday (19th April) and will be ‘feathered’ with surprises, such as celebrity guests, music and entertainment from Smooth Radio, family-friendly fairground rides, mouth-watering food stalls and sensational stilt walkers.

The giant dressed ducks will return to the event, with companies across Manchester honing their creative skills to decorate their corporate ducks. Some of the more memorable ones from previous years, include Count Duckula, Tim Beake and Kim Karduckshian.

All proceeds raised from the sale of the corporate ducks, as well as the smaller £1 ducks that are entered into the main race, will go to Brainwave to help children with disabilities reach their potential. Over the past 10 years, nearly £2-million has been raised by the Manchester Duck Race for the charity.

Brainwave exists to help children with disabilities and additional needs achieve greater independence by aiming to improve mobility, communication skills and learning potential, through a range of educational and physical therapies.

Thousands of families are expected to ‘flock’ to the free event from 11am – 4pm, lining the banks of the River Irwell at New Bailey, to cheer the rubber ducks on as they paddle their way to the finishing line.

The 10th anniversary year of the Manchester Duck Race, also marks 10 years since The English Cities Fund – the joint venture between Homes England, Legal & General and Muse Developments – submitted one of the UK’s largest ever planning applications, to deliver the ambitious 50-acre Salford Central regeneration programme within which New Bailey sits.

New Bailey is currently at a monumental phase in its development, with four projects currently under construction, including office schemes Riverside House, Two New Bailey Square and Three New Bailey, as well as the third phase of residential development at The Slate Yard.

Phil Mayall, regional director at The English Cities Fund, said: “We are proud to once again be sponsoring and hosting the Manchester Duck Race at New Bailey. This is our third year supporting the event and it’s always fantastic to see so many people getting involved; it’s become a real highlight in the city’s Easter celebrations.

“With both the Manchester Duck Race and New Bailey reaching significant milestones this year, we’re looking forward to showing people how much progress we’ve made in the last 12 months alone, along with striving to raise as much as possible for Brainwave, which is such a worthwhile charity.”

Carole Headley, development manager for Brainwave, said: “This event is such a fantastic fundraiser for our charity, never in a million years did I think I’d be able to say that after 10 years of racing rubber ducks in the River Irwell we would have raised almost £2-million pounds, yet here I am and we’re humbled and grateful to everyone who has supported us and continues to support us. There are so many ways to get involved, whether that’s by buying a £1 duck, sponsoring one of our big ducks or just coming along on the day to cheer us all along.”

Julian Smith, managing director of Bathroom Takeaway, said: “The Manchester Duck Race is now a tourist attraction in its own right and we’re proud to be part of this phenomenal fundraising journey. I’ve seen first-hand just how valuable Brainwave is to families who are in need of support for their children and have met a truly inspirational lady who has gone through the Brainwave programme and gone on to reach her true potential.  As a business, we pride ourselves in giving back to the local community and are delighted to continue our support to Brainwave and the Manchester Duck Race.”

To purchase your duck or to find other ways you can get involved in the Manchester Duck Race 2019 please visit the following site: The Manchester Duck Race