The popular Boxing Day duck race is sent to return to Kenilworth's Abbey Fields this Christmas.

The 2022 edition had to be cancelled due to the works around the swimming pools, with organisers saying it would not be safe to host the event at Finham Brook.

And while there is still a building site in the park, organiser Kenilworth Lions is now able to safely hold the fundraising event on December 26 2023 at 12noon.

Space will however be restricted due to the ongoing works in Abbey Fields, and organisers are urging locals to follow instructions of the marshals on the walkway to keep it a "happy and safe" race.

The duck race was also cancelled in 2020 due to the pandemic and the following year was pushed back to New Year's Day after the river was deemed unsafe. This means the 2023 instalment could be the first Boxing Day event since 2019.

"The Kenilworth Lions are very excited to be able to run the event this year," organisers said.

"Our ducks are all counted and ready to go.

"Mayor Alix Dearing is starting the races."

There will be three ticket sales area this year due to the building work:

• One on the path down from St Nicholas church
• One the other side of the Finish Line bridge for those walking down from Forrest Road / War Memorial.
• One at the ford end as usual.

Kenilworth Lions said 80 per cent of tickets are already sold, so there is a chance the race could sell out this year.

"We would like to thank Kenilworth for their support of all the Kenilworth Lions Charity ventures," the Lions added.

"We continue to work hard to support our local community. 

"It is also really important people following instructions of the marshals on the walkway and take notice of the restrictions to make sure we have a happy and safe race."

Kenilworth Lions will also be running its second corporate Duck Race, having first launched the initiative in 2021.

Some of the decoy ducks entered by local businesses (images via Kenilworth Lions)

Using the larger decoy ducks, local businesses have been encouraged to decorate their own entry to give their business a small bit of publicity.

Over 30 local firms have entered the race, which will raise money for the nominated charity of the winning ducks.

A prize will also be given for the 'best dressed' corporate duck, as chosen by Mayor of Kenilworth Cllr Alix Dearing.

Corporate Ducks first prize is £500 and second prize is £250 for the nominated charity.

Regular Duck race prizes remain unchanged at £100 / £75 / £50 / £25 for first to fourth respectively.

After last year's race was cancelled, Kenilworth Lions ran a 'Royal Duck Progress' during the Coronation celebrations in May, with the plastic ducks being taken on a tour of the town.