THE PLUG has been pulled on the annual Boxing Day duck race in Kenilworth – at least temporarily – amid safety concerns.
The festive fundraiser usually takes place in Abbey Fields. But with the construction of the town’s new leisure centre under way, organisers Kenilworth Lions have made the “difficult decision” to postpone the event.
Bucket loads of ducks are released every year into Finham Brook.
And in order to view the race this year, spectators would have to use a temporary walkway installed by Warwick District Council.
Kenilworth Lions has deemed this unsafe.
A post on the club’s Facebook page reads: “It is with regret that we announce that the Kenilworth Lions Duck Race planned for Boxing Day 2022 has been postponed.
“Due to the swimming pool development at Abbey Fields our risk assessment leads us to believe it is not currently possible to hold a duck race as we cannot assure the comfort and safety of the public attending this popular event.
“This was not an easy decision to take as providing entertainment while raising funds for the Kenilworth community is our prime aim.”
Work on the Abbey Fields leisure project started last month after much delay and, once completed, will see a new indoor swimming pool replace Kenilworth’s historic outdoor lido.
WDC said it extended its full support to the Kenilworth Lions following their decision to postpone the duck race.
The council’s arts spokesman Coun Liam Bartlett said: “We know this decision is hugely disappointing both for the Kenilworth Lions and the crowds of people from the town who gather to take part in this much-loved festive tradition.
“However, the safety of residents needs to be their number one priority. We therefore give our full backing to the event organisers in cancelling the Boxing Day race and will work with them to iron out the details required should they wish to reorganise the event in the near future.”
