Pivotal Takes on the Break Norwich Duck Race

In May, some of the Pivotal team headed down to the River Wensum to take part in the brilliant Break Grand Norwich Duck Race. 

Part community event, part creative competition, and part complete chaos, the day brought together local businesses, schools, charities, and supporters for one very important cause: supporting young people through the work Break does across Norfolk. 

And of course, we couldn’t show up without our own duck entry. 

Meet Taitina

Created by Emilia Wolkowicz and Thea Reeder, Pivotal’s duck entry, “Taitina”, made her official debut on race day. 

Surrounded by an incredibly creative lineup of decorated ducks, Taitina proudly took her place among the competition before making her way onto the water for the Duckorated Duck Derby. 

According to the team, she may have inherited a little too much “Tait time”. Steady, slightly behind schedule, but somehow still completely confident throughout the race. 

Even so, she did us proud. 

She stayed afloat, kept moving, and paddled her way down the River Wensum with determination. Really, that’s all you can ask from a giant decorated duck. 

A Brilliant Day for Norwich

The event itself was packed with activity throughout the afternoon. 

The day began with the Duck Parade across St George’s Bridge, where all the decorated ducks were displayed before heading to the river. Alongside the parade, there was live music, food, games, face painting, and plenty of people lining the riverbanks despite the occasional rain shower. 

Then came the main event. 

At 2pm, the Duckorated Duck Derby officially began, with a huge flock of decorated ducks making their way down the River Wensum near Fye Bridge. 

A special mention also needs to go to Joe Randlesome for fully committing to the role of commentator for the afternoon. The duck puns were relentless, but genuinely impressive. 

Supporting a Great Cause

While the day was full of laughs, creativity, and a slightly concerning number of duck-related jokes, the reason behind the event matters far more. 

Break does incredible work supporting young people in, around and leaving care across the region, helping provide stability, opportunities, and support when it’s needed most. 

Events like the Grand Norwich Duck Race bring the local community together while helping raise awareness and funding for that work. 

We’re really proud to have been part of it. 

Congratulations to the Winners

Huge congratulations to the winners of the Duckorated Derby: 

🥇 UPtician by Coleman Opticians Hearing & Vision Centre and artist Sally Adams 
🥈 Beefeater Duck by Voyage Care Ltd and artist Mandii Pope 
🥉 The LP Birthday Duck by Leathes Prior Solicitors and Sally Adams 

And well done to everyone involved in organising the event, decorating ducks, volunteering, and cheering from the sidelines throughout the day. 

Until Next Year…

Taitina may not have brought home the Crystal Duck Trophy this time, but she definitely brought personality. 

We’ll be ready next year.