19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Scottish World Heritage Site to host Duck Festival with rubber duck race this weekend
The family fun festival is just a short drive from Glasgow this bank holiday weekend
A picturesque riverside village just under an hour from Glasgow is getting ready to welcome families for a weekend of feathered festivities, as New Lanark proudly announces the return of its ever-popular Duck Festival.
The World Heritage Site, nestled just 50 minutes from the city, will play host to the event over the bank Holiday weekend on Saturday, May 24, and Sunday, May 25.
Organisers are promising two full days packed with laughter, creativity, adventure, and plenty of splashing fun for visitors of all ages - with a rubber duck race the big draw, Glasgow Live reports.
Billed as a celebration of 'wholesome quack-tivities', the Duck Festival is set to offer everything from a treasure hunt to a cheerful duck parade and hands-on crafting activities.
There will also be an opportunity to meet the festival's larger-than-life mascot, Bubbles the Duck, ready to pose for photos by the historic New Lanark Waterwheel.
One of the highlights of the weekend will be the main duck races, taking place at 12pm and 2pm on both days. Participants can cheer on their chosen rubber duck as it floats down the mill lade, with exciting prizes awarded to the first, second and third place winners.
The fun continues with a treasure hunt, where children are challenged to track down hidden ducks scattered around the site. Those who complete the challenge will be rewarded with a refreshing sweet ice lolly.
Children can also unleash their creativity at the craft corner, where they'll be encouraged to design their very own duck mask.
These colourful creations will then take centre stage during the much-anticipated duck parade, which begins at 3pm, with families marching behind Bubbles in a joyful procession from one end of the lade to the other.
Straight after the parade, at 3.15pm, the Best Duck Mask Awards will be announced, with prizes given out to those wearing the most inventive and eye-catching designs.
To add even more excitement, optional extras such as face painting, carousel rides and soft play areas will also be available on site for a small additional charge.
Tickets cost £7 per child, which includes one duck for the race, and adults go free.
Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community!
Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today.
You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland.
No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team.
All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in!
If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'.
We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like.
To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'.
If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
Ticket times correspond to your selected duck race slot, either 12pm or 2pm, but the ticket also grants access to all activities from 10am to 5pm, so families are encouraged to arrive early and make the most of everything on offer.
'Following the model of our popular Easter Sunday Duck Race event, this festival promises to be another unforgettable experience filled with community spirit and family fun,' said organisers.
'Tickets are limited, so be sure to secure yours soon and waddle your way to a weekend of quack-tastic excitement at New Lanark.'
New Lanark Duck Festival
When: Saturday, May 24, and Sunday, May 25
Where: New Lanark World Heritage Site
Hours: 10am to 5pm
Tickets: £7 per child (includes one duck for the race), adults go free. Available now from the Duck Festival website.
