Duck races and Easter Egg hunts across the Island

Thousands of ducks will be released on Island rivers tomorrow (Saturday), all in the aid of good causes.

However, the ducks will be the yellow plastic kind – not the feathered variety!

The duck race in Yarmouth, starts at 3pm, on the River Yar by Yarmouth Bridge. There will be refreshments at Yarmouth Sailing Club including the Wightwood pizza van. The event is organised by the Yarmouth Carnival Committee and funds raised will go towards a variety of events put on in the town throughout the year, including the annual fireworks display. Tickets, £1, on sale at Harwoods, Holdings and The Pharmacy.

In Ventnor, the Ventnor Enhancement Fund is organising its race at Flowersbrook Meadow, with races from 11am. Tickets, £2, cash only, prize for every race winner. There will be additional rewards for successful ducks from ice cream shop Crave, with Vintage Scoops on site.

Ryde Aspire’s race is being held at Shide Trees, Newport starting at 1pm with tickets, £1, with car parking at Thompsons. Cash prizes and Easter goodies to be won. Special Aspire purple limited edition anniversary ducks are also on sale.

On Sunday there is the annual Calbourne Duck Race at Winkle Street, starting at 11.30am.

There are also other special Easter events taking place tomorrow, with the rearranged fireworks display off Sandown Pier, after the original was cancelled on New Year’s Eve because of high winds. The free display will start at 7.30pm, with contributions towards costs appreciated.

Mad-Aid Dot is organising an Easter Egg Hunt between 11am-2pm, free entry. Starting at Mad-Aid Dot, York Avenue, East Cowes, follow the clues around town to solve the mystery and win a chocolate prize. There will be children’s craft activities, tombola, games and refreshments. Fancy dress encouraged with prizes for best costumes. Other Easter Egg hunts are taking place at Carisbrooke Castle, Tapnell Farm and Arreton Barns.

Sight for Wight, the charity supporting visually impaired Islanders, is selling crocheted chicks and hedgehog covered crème eggs at Hovertravel to raise funds over the Easter weekend.