Egg-stravagant holiday events go virtual to spread smiles

WITH THE restrictions surrounding the coronavirus pandemic still affecting almost every aspect of our daily lives, many annual events that would have been a staple on our spring calendar won’t be going ahead.

But some of Calderdale’s most popular Easter events are heading online to bring joy into the homes of many.

With the Calder Valley Easter Monday Duck Race only days away, it’s all happening down on Duck Farm as they get ready for the big day.

This year the charity fundraiser, which is organised by the Rotary Club of Hebden Bridge, is having to be a virtual event from a ‘secret location’, because of the Covid restrictions that are currently in force.

Being virtual and titled ‘Totally Quackers’, it has allowed the organisers to run riot with their imaginations.

Rotary Duck Race organiser Roger Benn said: “Duck Farm is the fictional setting for the event and followers of ‘Tales from Duck Farm’ on social media have been introduced to Farmer Duck’s family, plus three pesky character ducks,

Wonder, Spider and Hulk, who are intent on causing mischief. All these ducks will be present, as imagination merges with reality. The event consists of two races, the main race of small yellow ducks which cost £1 each and the business race of bigger red, green and blue ducks which cost £10. Each race has some fantastic prizes waiting to be won.

“Everybody wants a smile at the moment and hopefully we can bring them one.”

To buy tickets and for more information visit www.hebdenbridgeduckrace.uk. The race will be available to watch online at 3pm on Easter Monday, April 5.

“Everybody wants a smile at the moment and hopefully we can bring them one” Roger Benn

Heptonstall Pace Egg Play is also heading online by live streaming two performances on Good Friday (April 2).

The traditional play, which sees St George takes on contenders such as Bold Slasher and the Black Prince of Paradine, will be streamed on the Heptonstall Pace Egg YouTube page at 11.15am and noon.

This year the play will raise money for Overgate Hospice and Rainforest Trust, with donations welcome at justgiving. com/crowdfunding/heptonstall-pace-egg.

The traditional play, sees St George takes on contenders such as Bold Slasher and Hector

ONLINE: For more local news visit www.halifaxcourier.co.uk

FLASHBACK: Hebden Bridge Rotary Club’s Easter Monday Duck Race attracted hundreds of spectactors to watch plastic ducks bob along the river. The event will be online this year due to the Covid pandemic.

PLAY: Heptonstall Pace Egg Players performing the traditional Good Friday Calder Valley Pace Egg Play in the village square in pre-coronavirus days. This year it will be a virtual live-stream performance online.