HUNDREDS of competitors gathered in Chew Magna to cheer on their ducks as they participated in the annual Chew Magna Village Duck Race.

Organised by the Chew Magna Society (CMS), the popular event has taken place in the village annually since 1984, with the 2025 race taking place on Saturday May 10.

Families, local business owners and visitors lined up along the stream to cheer on their plastic competitors as hundreds of bright yellow ducks bobbed their way toward the finish line.

The atmosphere was light-hearted and joyful, with CMS volunteers ensuring the races ran smoothly.

Taking to the water ahead of the main race, there was a business duck race where ducks belonging to local businesses competed against each other. Acacia Cottages reined victorious, and were followed by the Jeffway Group in second and Chew Magna Post Office in third place.

Over 700 ducks competed in the main race but there could only be one first prize winner, with three-year old Frankie Bell scooping up the £100 cash prize.

A highlight of the day was the Decorated Duck Competition, which saw imaginative entries ranging from ‘Quack to the Future’ to ‘A Duck with a Pearl Earring’. The entries were divided into four age categories; 0-4, 5-8, 9-12, 13+ and for the first time, a ‘veterans’ category for the 70-plus generation.

BBQ food was also available, supplied by Kelly’s butchery and cooked by the Friends of the PTA at Chew Magna primary school, alongside an ice cream van and cool drinks to help visitors stay hydrated.

A special VE Day tribute was hosted in the Church Hall to add to the day’s events. The local Chew Chat group were treated to a performance from the Congresbury Brass Band in the sunshine coupled with afternoon tea, complete with sandwiches, cakes, scones, and tea.

The afternoon was brought to life with a nostalgic sing along to wartime favourites with the D-Day Dollies.

Jacqui Cozens, Chew Magna Society Chair, said: “What a wonderful day! The sun was shining, and we’re so grateful to every member of the community who came out to support this year’s annual Duck Race – a cherished tradition in Chew Magna and a true highlight of the Society’s events calendar.

“This year was particularly special as we commemorated the 80th anniversary of VE Day with the people in the village who have the strongest memories of VE day. To see them tapping their toes and joining in with the singing was fantastic. It was a day for all ages – from our youngest villagers to one of our eldest at 103 years young.

“A huge thank you as well to our local businesses who got involved by sponsoring Business Ducks and donating prizes. We’re already looking ahead to our next big event – Party in the Paddock – and can’t wait to welcome everyone again!”

Chew Magna Society’s Party in the Paddock takes place on Sunday July 13 2025, where it will look to provide music, games, food and drink, and summer festivities for all ages.