Close

Duck race in aid of Stourbridge hospice draws crowds to The Waterfront in Brierley Hill

A quirky rubber duck race for charity brought thousands of people flocking to The Waterfront in Brierley Hill and was just one of a series of events aimed at bringing crowds back to the canal side complex.

By Beverly Rademacher
Published

The Black Country Duck Race and Family Festival held in aid of The Mary Stevens Hospice in Stourbridge on Sunday June 29 drew in plenty of visitors on one of the warmest days of the year.

The ducks all ready for the Black Country Duck Race at The Waterfront, Brierley Hill
The ducks all ready for the Black Country Duck Race at The Waterfront, Brierley Hill

The fun-filled event brought together families, supporters and businesses keen to show their support for hospice, based in Hagley Road, Oldswinford, which needs to raise £3.5 million annually.

Crowds at the Black Country Duck Race at The Waterfront, Brierley Hill
Crowds at the Black Country Duck Race at The Waterfront, Brierley Hill

Gusts of wind meant the race, which has become a key event in the charity's annual fundraising calendar, didn’t entirely go as planned but the event was hailed a “great success” by the owners of the Waterfront - Parcap.

Ducks ready for the Black Country Duck Race at The Waterfront, Brierley Hill
Ducks ready for the Black Country Duck Race at The Waterfront, Brierley Hill

Alex Hall, a spokesperson for the real estate investment business which aims to get The Waterfront resembling its bustling heydays of the 1990s, said: “We thoroughly enjoyed it.

“The only problem was the changing wind that made the ducks swim backwards. 

Fun at the Black Country Duck Race at The Waterfront in Brierley Hill
Fun at the Black Country Duck Race at The Waterfront in Brierley Hill

"But what really mattered is that thousands of people came out, had a wonderful time, with great entertainment, great food, and lots of money was raised for an excellent cause.”

Rubber ducks at the Black Country Duck Race at The Waterfront, Brierley Hill
Rubber ducks at the Black Country Duck Race at The Waterfront, Brierley Hill

Hospice bosses said the event, sponsored by Waldrons Solicitors and Prosperity Wealth, saw more than 3,000 rubber ducks take to the water, each purchased for £3 and helping to raise vital funds to support the hospice’s work caring for people with life-limiting conditions.

The Black Country Duck Race at The Waterfront, Brierley Hill
The Black Country Duck Race at The Waterfront, Brierley Hill

Amanda Bowen, director of fundraising at the hospice, said: "Events like the duck race not only raise much needed funds, but also help spread awareness about the care and support we provide every day.

“Whether people bought a duck, made a donation, or simply came along to cheer on the race, the hospice is incredibly grateful for the support shown."

A host of other outdoor events are planned at The Waterfront throughout the summer including Waterfront Digbeth Dining Dates with street food served up by the canal side on Friday July 11, Friday August 1 and Friday September 5.

Black Country Craft Markets will also bring the waterside complex to life on Sunday July 27, Sunday August 24 and Sunday September 28.