When is the next Thornton-le-Dale duck race?

The next race is the Easter Monday race, which in 2027 falls on Monday 29 March, at about 3pm; that date comes from the Easter Monday rule and has not been announced. The second race is held over the August Bank Holiday weekend, 28 to 30 August in 2027; that is local knowledge, not published by the organisers.

For the Easter Monday race, ducks are £2 each from Wardill Bros and Baldersons, or on the morning. No prices, prizes or beneficiaries are published for the August race.

Is there also an Easter duck race?

Yes, a duck race is held on Easter Monday, at about 3pm, as the Christmas lights committee's fundraiser. It runs down Thornton Beck from Priestmans Lane to the thatched cottage.

Where does the duck race take place?

Along Thornton Beck in the centre of the village. Spectators gather on the banks and the bridge.

Is the duck race free to watch?

Yes, watching is free. You buy a numbered duck to enter the race itself.

Is the duck race suitable for children?

Yes, it is very much a family event. Children can paddle in the shallow beck in fine weather, but keep them supervised near the water.

What's on

Thornton-le-Dale Duck Race

By Jon Cosson · Last checked 6 October 2026

Thornton-le-Dale holds a duck race on the beck at Easter and again over the August Bank Holiday. Thousands of yellow ducks are released into Thornton Beck in two of the village's best-loved fundraisers.

Bank Holiday Duck Race: August Bank Holiday weekend

When: The August Bank Holiday weekend, the same weekend as the Scarecrow Festival; in 2027, Saturday 28 to Monday 30 August. The day and time are not published.
Details: Route, ticket prices, prizes and beneficiaries are not published for the August race.

Coming for the afternoon? See visitor information for parking guidance, and eating and drinking for places to eat before or after the race.

Hundreds of numbered yellow plastic ducks drifting down the clear, shallow water of Thornton Beck between grass banks and overhanging greenery — The ducks strung out down Thornton Beck below the footbridge during the Bank Holiday race.

Yellow ducks drifting towards a low stone weir on Thornton Beck beneath overhanging trees, with one spectator seen from behind at the water's edge — The ducks strung out down Thornton Beck below the footbridge during the Bank Holiday race.

The Easter Monday race at a glance

When: Easter Monday, at about 3pm; in 2027, by that rule, Monday 29 March.
Where: Thornton Beck, in the centre of the village.
Why: The Christmas lights committee's fundraiser. Ducks £2 each from Wardill Bros and Baldersons, or on the morning.
Cost to watch: Free.

What to expect

The duck race is one of the simplest and cheeriest events in the village year. On Easter Monday, crowds gather on the banks of Thornton Beck and on the bridge as thousands of numbered yellow plastic ducks are tipped into the water and float downstream.

It is a fundraiser first and foremost: the proceeds go towards the village Christmas lights, which are put up and run by volunteers each winter. You can usually buy a duck for a small donation to enter the race; prizes go to the first ducks across the line.

The atmosphere is relaxed and family-friendly. The beck is shallow and clear, and on a warm Easter Monday children often paddle at the edge while they wait for the ducks to come through. Bring waterproof footwear if you want to join them, the stones are slippery.

Visitor guidance

Arrive early, the green and beck-side fill quickly once the start time is announced.
Parking, use the village car park off Maltongate (YO18 7SD). See the parking guide for details.
Supervise children near the water, the beck is shallow but fast-moving in places, and the banks can be uneven.
Bring cash, duck entries and any refreshments are usually cash-only on the day.
Check the date, Easter Monday moves each year, so confirm the exact date before travelling. The village calendar is on what's on.

Common questions

When is the next Thornton-le-Dale duck race?: The next race is the Easter Monday race, which in 2027 falls on Monday 29 March, at about 3pm; that date comes from the Easter Monday rule and has not been announced. The second race is held over the August Bank Holiday weekend, 28 to 30 August in 2027; that is local knowledge, not published by the organisers.
How much is a duck?: For the Easter Monday race, ducks are £2 each from Wardill Bros and Baldersons, or on the morning. No prices, prizes or beneficiaries are published for the August race.
Is there also an Easter duck race?: Yes, a duck race is held on Easter Monday, at about 3pm, as the Christmas lights committee's fundraiser. It runs down Thornton Beck from Priestmans Lane to the thatched cottage.
Where does the duck race take place?: Along Thornton Beck in the centre of the village. Spectators gather on the banks and the bridge.
Is the duck race free to watch?: Yes, watching is free. You buy a numbered duck to enter the race itself.
Is the duck race suitable for children?: Yes, it is very much a family event. Children can paddle in the shallow beck in fine weather, but keep them supervised near the water.