Charity Duck Dash and Raft Race
Guildford, Surrey
About Charity Duck Dash and Raft Race
Calling all residents, community groups and businesses!
Put on your sun hats, pack a picnic, and join us for an afternoon of summer mayhem on Saturday, 5 July from 12:30pm on the River Wey in Guildford! The Surrey Care Trust Duck Dash and Guildford Lions Raft Race return for another year of water-filled fun to raise funds for local charities.
With quirky duck races, creative rafts, and relaxing boat rides, this free community event is a great day out for all ages. Whether you are cheering on your lucky duck, racing a raft, or enjoying a peaceful cruise on Swinbridge Tranquility – there is something for everyone!
Guildford Lions Raft Race
This year’s raft race is going Hollywood! Gather your crew, choose your favourite film, and build a movie-themed raft to sail down the River Wey. From Millmead Lock Island (GU2 4BE) to the Riverside Centre in Stoughton (GU1 1LW), expect laughs, competition, and plenty of splashes!
The race is open to anyone who can construct a raft capable of carrying its crew from start to finish. Stand-up paddle boarders are welcome too!
At the finish line, enjoy a celebratory BBQ and cheer on the winners as the Mayor of Guildford and the Guildford Lions President present the trophies.
In support of sustainability, Zero Carbon Guildford will award a £100 voucher to the team with the most eco-friendly raft made from recycled materials.
For more information or to enter visit www.guildfordlions.com/guildford-lions-charity-raft-race-2025/
Surrey Care Trust Duck Dash and Parade
We invite visitors of all ages to spend an exciting afternoon with friends and family all while supporting local charities. The festivities will kick off at 1pm with the Duck Parade, where a line-up of giant, hand-painted ducks will be launched down the River Wey in all their colourful glory. Then, at 1.40pm, the excitement continues with the Duck Dash, as hundreds of little ducks take to the water in a race for Duck Glory!
Each mini duck can be sponsored for just £3, and every duck gives you the chance to win some great prizes! Ducks are available to buy online in advance online at the Surrey Care Trust website (www.surreycaretrust.org.uk/event/activities-surrey-care-trust-duck-dash/) or on the day at Millmead Island from the Surrey Care Trust stall.
Want to enjoy the river at a more relaxing pace? Take a donation-based boat trip aboard the Swinbridge Tranquility, Surrey Care Trust’s accessible community passenger boat.
Timings:
12:30 – Festivities begin and mini duck sales open
1pm – Duck Parade begins
1.30pm – mini duck sales close
1:40pm – Mini Duck Dash
2pm - The Mayor of Guildford will inspect the rafts
3pm – Raft Race Starts
Location:
Duck Parade, Mini Duck Dash and Raft Race Start: Millmead Island, Guildford (next to the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre).
Raft Race End: Waterside Centre
Buy Ducks: www.surreycaretrust.org.uk/event/activities-surrey-care-trust-duck-dash/
Enter Raft Race: www.guildfordlions.com/guildford-lions-charity-raft-race-2025/
Free family fun on the River Wey
An afternoon of free and accessible fun in Guildford cheering rubber ducks and homemade rafts. Ducks can be sponsored for £3 each, rafts can be entered at £45 each. All proceeds go to local charities.
Buy Ducks: www.surreycaretrust.org.uk/event/activities-surrey-care-trust-duck-dash/
Enter Raft Race: www.guildfordlions.com/guildford-lions-charity-raft-race-2025/
Movie-themed rafts and quirky duck races supporting local charities!
A unique charity event blending movie-themed raft races, quirky duck dashes, and relaxing river cruises—fun, creative, and full of community spirit on the River Wey.
Enjoy a fun day on the River Wey supporting charity
The Raft Race & Duck Dash is a family-friendly event with quirky duck races, movie-themed rafts, and relaxing river cruises. Cheer on your favourite rubber ducks, watch creative rafts race down the River Wey, and take in the stunning views aboard the Swinbridge Tranquility. A perfect day out for all ages, all in support of Surrey Care Trust and Guildford Lions!
Facilities
Wheelchair Friendly
Pushchair Friendly
Opening Times
1PM - DUCK RACES
3PM - RAFT RACE
Pricing & Tickets
- Child (0-18+) : Free
- Adult (18+-18+) : Free
Book in advance for cheapest tickets
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Plan Your Visit
Typical visit time 1 - 2 hours
Suitable for Kids and Adults too
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