Britain's What's On Event Guide
Cosmic Rubber Duck Race & Dragon Boat Regatta 2025
The beloved Rubber Duck Race and Dragon Boat Regatta are making a splash again this year on the Regent's Canal to benefit Cosmic, the charity supporting the children's and neonatal intensive care units at St Mary's and Queen Charlotte's Hospitals.
On Thursday, 31st July, up to 3,000 rubber ducks will be released into the canal at Merchant Square (Paddington, London W2 1JX) at noon for the annual Rubber Duck Race. The bright yellow ducks will bob along the 100-metre course to the finish line, with the quickest quacker winning first prize of two Eurostar tickets to a destination of their choice, plus additional exciting prizes generously provided by Haidilao and B.Duck. Ducks can be sponsored for just £3 each.
The fun continues later that evening as the Dragon Boat Regatta takes over the canal from 5 - 9 pm. Traditional Chinese dragon boats, manned by 16 rowers and one drummer, will race in a frenzied 100-metre competition. Competing teams often don festive fancy dress, with previous years seeing crews dressed as Minions, Drag Queens and Pirates, all vying for the Best Dressed title along with the fastest time.
Both events are free for spectators to attend along the canal towpath. However, sponsoring ducks and dragon boat teams raises vital funds for Cosmic's efforts to support critically ill children and their families, as well as providing equipment and resources for hospital staff.
In addition to the races, there will be live music, outdoor bars, street food and more festivities.
To sponsor a duck, make a donation, or learn more about the COSMIC charity, visit cosmiccharity.org.uk.
On Thursday, 31st July, up to 3,000 rubber ducks will be released into the canal at Merchant Square (Paddington, London W2 1JX) at noon for the annual Rubber Duck Race. The bright yellow ducks will bob along the 100-metre course to the finish line, with the quickest quacker winning first prize of two Eurostar tickets to a destination of their choice, plus additional exciting prizes generously provided by Haidilao and B.Duck. Ducks can be sponsored for just £3 each.
The fun continues later that evening as the Dragon Boat Regatta takes over the canal from 5 - 9 pm. Traditional Chinese dragon boats, manned by 16 rowers and one drummer, will race in a frenzied 100-metre competition. Competing teams often don festive fancy dress, with previous years seeing crews dressed as Minions, Drag Queens and Pirates, all vying for the Best Dressed title along with the fastest time.
Both events are free for spectators to attend along the canal towpath. However, sponsoring ducks and dragon boat teams raises vital funds for Cosmic's efforts to support critically ill children and their families, as well as providing equipment and resources for hospital staff.
In addition to the races, there will be live music, outdoor bars, street food and more festivities.
To sponsor a duck, make a donation, or learn more about the COSMIC charity, visit cosmiccharity.org.uk.
Thursday 31 July
Merchant Square, Paddington Basin, London W2 1AJ
The Rubber Duck Race runs from 12 - 2pm, while the Dragon Boat Regatta is 5 - 9pm on July 31st at Merchant Square at Paddington Basin.
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