Fireworks show lights up Wick sky
WICK Gala finished with a bang on Saturday – but it nearly fizzled out with the weather.
A week of damp and wet conditions affected turnouts and the amount of money raised, but organisers bowed out on a high as fireworks lit up the foggy sky over the Riverside.
Despite some initial problems lighting the traditional bonfire, it eventually brought warmth to the night and a smile to organising committee chairwoman Donna Plowman’s face.
"There’s no such thing as bad weather in Wick," she said.
"It just means you are wearing the wrong clothes."
Donna said that despite the weather affecting the total takings – down from last year to around £12,800 – the week was a success.
She praised everyone for taking part – everything from the parade to the treasure hunt and darts memorial competition had people out and about, she said.
The It’s a Knockout competition at the Riverside on Saturday went ahead as planned and although the number of spectators was slightly lower than expected, the number of teams more than made up for it, said Donna.
"The weather wasn’t brilliant like it was last year so the crowd was slightly less than we’d hoped for," she said.
"But the teams were all there and helped make it a success."
The chairwoman said her highlight of the week was the staging of a new royal variety performance on Friday night in the Assembly Rooms.
Dancers, child performers and Wick Players took to the stage to entertain the crowd.
"It wasn’t quite a sellout," said Donna. "But quite a few turned up and the performers were all fantastic. Hopefully we can build on it next year."
Donna said anyone who has any ideas for next year or is interested in helping out can contact a member of the organising committee.
"We’re always open to new ideas for how to do things or for new events to add in," said Donna. "People should just let us know."
There will be a public meeting in September regarding the gala which will be publicised closer to the time.
Results – Children’s fancy dress at the Braehead – Girls under three – Olivia Sutherland. Boys under three – Luke Sutherland.
Girls under five – Camilla Elder. Boys under five – Ewan Sutherland.
Girls five to six – Sophie McPhee. Boys five to six – Cory More.
Girls seven to nine – Isla Farquhar. Boys seven to nine – Tyler Orbell. Girls 10 to 12 – Rachel Lyall.
Pairs six and under – Becca Sinclair and Beth Cowie.
Pairs seven and over – Emily Orbell and Kelsey Simpson.
Groups – Mollie MacCallum, Ashleigh and Kirstin Coghill.