Kenilworth's popular Boxing Day duck race has been postponed on safety grounds

Kenilworth's popular Boxing Day duck race has been postponed on safety grounds.

The decision has been made due to the ongoing development of the new leisure facilities at Abbey Fields.

The Christmas tradition was cancelled in 2020 due to the pandemic and moved to New Year's Day in 2021 because the river was deemed unsafe.

Organisers Kenilworth Lions said it was regrettable to postpone this year’s event but said would be not be safe to hold the event along the Finham Brook due to the demolition work.

Warwick District Council said if the event was to take place, it would require spectator access and a viewing point from a temporary walkway which has been installed by the council while the swimming pool redevelopment is taking place - so the council has given its full support to the Kenilworth Lions following their decision to postpone.

They hope the event can be rearranged for another date.

Warwick District Council’s portfolio holder for arts and economy, Cllr Liam Bartlett, said: “We know this decision is hugely disappointing both for the Kenilworth Lions and the crowds of people from the town who gather to take part in this much-loved festive tradition.”

“However, the safety of residents needs to be their number one priority. We therefore give our full backing to the event organisers in cancelling the Boxing Day race and will work with them to iron out the details required should they wish to reorganise the event in the near future.”