The 2023 Fakenham Riverside festival, duck and raft races was a great success”. This was the view of all those involved as the crowds gathered to enjoy the sunshine by the river in Fakenham.  The event included cardboard rafts with brightly dressed crews, hundreds of small ducks and giant ducks decorated and sponsored by local businesses. There were stalls, bouncy castles and some lively music by local musician Anto Morra.

Richard Crook, from Active Fakenham which organised the event said, “The day was an outstanding success. The sun shone and everyone seemed to have a fantastic time. These events are good for the town, residents, visitors, and businesses as they all add up to giving the appearance of a more vibrant town. Our events are very inclusive because they are accessible and low cost or free, and they are fun. This is the only event that we run that actually makes a bit of money that we can use for the rest of the year as well as support other local organisations.

Sophie Gordon, Branch Manager at Fine & Country Estate Agents which bought a corporate duck to join with the race said, “FANTASTIC EVENT!! What a great success!!!”

Karen Fryett, from Solar Scoops that provided Norfolk Ice Creams from her solar powered van said, “What a fantastic day yesterday…. I would like to donate the lollies (to the volunteers that were clearing up), all your volunteers did an amazing job, the ones who came for ice cream were all lovely too, and it was so hot”. 

Richard added, I would like to thank everyone who worked so hard to make the day such a success. There are too many to name, but we had several local groups working with us and over fifty one volunteers on the day. Of course, I would also like to thank the businesses who bought a corporate duck to support their community – we have a list on the website. We have had massive activity across our social media accounts.

Carben Construction won the Giant Corporate Duck Race and the best dressed duck was won by Fakenham Junior School. The winner of the Great Fakenham Duck Race ws a visitor from Durham.

Active Fakenham are hoping to run another event next year on June, Father’s day, 2024.

Notes

1. Sophie Gordon   Residential Sales and Branch Manager
   E: sophie.gordon@fineandcountry.com
   T: +44 (0)1328 854 190
   Fine & Country: 1 Bridge Street, Fakenham, Norfolk NR21 9AG
   fineandcountry.com
2. Solar Scoops Karen Fryett : 01328 730629 / 07833 087011 www.solarscoops.co.uk=
3. Richard Crook Active Fakenham 07887 803091 richard@activefakenham.org.uk