Drive-in carol service creates a joyful atmosphere in Wick car park
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Hundreds of people turned out to enjoy Sunday's drive-in Christmas carol service in Wick.
The community event was arranged by some local churches, working with others, to help make up for the loss of festive activities and events because of the pandemic.
The venue was the spacious car park at the East Caithness Community Facility and so much interest was expressed in advance that the service was expanded to include an evening sitting as well as an afternoon one.
Organisers said it had brought some much-needed festive cheer while complying fully with Covid-19 restrictions. Permission was given by Highland Council
For the first sitting, at 4pm, more than 200 people watched and joined in from the safety of their cars, with around 20 volunteers present. The 7pm session attracted another 55 people with again 20 volunteering.
A trailer from haulage firm D Steven & Son had been positioned at the bottom of the car park, suitably decorated for the festive season. The Praise Band from Wick and Keiss Baptist Church led everyone in carol singing.
Participants parked their cars and sang along inside. Some vehicles were even decorated, with the best ones winning a prize.
There were also traditional readings and a message from Matt Alexander, pastor of Wick and Keiss Baptist Church, about God’s gift in Jesus Christ.
Many members of the public have been expressing their thanks to the organisers. Lottie Shearer said: “It was very well organised and it was great to join in with the singing.”
Others gave feedback on social media, with Dr Emily Cobb calling it “an absolutely magical event". She added: "It was a light in the Covid darkness, a very potent reminder of all that is good about the community that we live in.”
The Rev Andrew Barrie, minister of Pulteneytown and Thrumster Church, said there had been a joyful atmosphere.
“I want to thank everyone for coming along and supporting the event. I’m so glad so many people enjoyed it," he added.
"I want especially to say a big thank-you to all those who were involved in organising it. I hope this shows that while Christmas is different, in the church we still believe there can be true joy in the celebrating of the birth of Jesus Christ.”
Rob Petersen, mission development worker for Pulteneytown and Thrumster Church, who chaired the group that put the event together, said he appreciated all the help and support from individuals and organisations. He was keen to thank Wick Community Campus, Highland Council, Wick Gala Committee, D Steven & Son, Allan Farquhar, GA Barnie Group, Gow’s Lybster and Wick Harbour Authority.
