One of the highlights of the day was the ever-popular duck race, with hundreds of yellow ducks released into the river as crowds watched from the bridge and riverbank. The sponsored duck display also proved a colourful attraction, with local businesses and organisations decorating ducks in imaginative and entertaining ways.

The cardboard raft races once again brought plenty of laughter and excitement, with teams taking to the water in homemade rafts. Some made impressive progress, while others provided great entertainment for the watching crowds.

Richard Crook from Active Fakenham said: “The Riverside Festival was a wonderful community day and it was lovely to see so many people enjoying themselves by the river. The duck races, sponsored ducks and cardboard rafts all created a real sense of fun, and we are very grateful to everyone who helped make the day such a success.”

Any funds raised from the festival will go towards supporting local community groups and helping Active Fakenham continue to organise free and low-cost events for the town.

Active Fakenham thanked all the volunteers, sponsors, stallholders, performers and community groups who supported the event, as well as those who helped with the races, river safety and stewarding.

Richard added: “Events like this only happen because of the support of local people, businesses and volunteers. We are very lucky to have so many people willing to give their time and energy to help create free and low-cost community events for Fakenham.”

The festival formed part of Active Fakenham’s wider programme of events, which aims to bring people together through sport, activity, creativity and community celebrations.

Photo caption: Scenes from Fakenham Riverside Festival 2026, including the duck races, sponsored ducks and cardboard raft races. Photos: Alastair Robinson.

More information

Richard Crook 07887 803091. richard@acrivefakenham.org.uk