High winds and swollen rivers means Bradford on Avon Town Council has been forced its popular Easter Bank Holiday Monday Duck Race for safety reasons.

The council has postponed the event to Monday, May 6 after seeing the weather forecast for this weekend.

In a statement, the council said: “We know this was a disappointment to many, but we have a duty of care to our volunteers – particularly those on the water.

“This is rather unprecedented and has only happened once before – that we can remember!

“But we have a new Duck Race date of Monday, 6 May – and we hope to see you there. All ducks purchased already will be honoured for the new date.”

Wiltshire Times: The fast-flowing River Avon means the Bradford on Avon annual Easter Bank Holiday Duck Race has been postponed to May 6. Photo: Trevor Porter 76914-4 The fast-flowing River Avon means the Bradford on Avon annual Easter Bank Holiday Duck Race has been postponed to May 6. Photo: Trevor Porter 76914-4 (Image: Trevor Porter)

The popular Duck Race on Easter Bank Holiday Monday was being sponsored by the aptly-named Puddle Ducks, a local children’s swimming school business.

The race traditionally begins at 12 noon and the council had organised fun and games from 10am at Westbury Garden. This year, the Business Duck Race makes a welcome return.

Every year, thousands flock to the town to take part or watch the spectacle that is part of Bradford on Avon’s annual town events calendar.