Fundraiser brings in crowds of all ages
HUNDREDS of people turned out to support Skinandi’s Santa Sesh at the weekend and they were thrilled with the entertainment.
Sunday saw the Thurso nightclub packed full of families there to enjoy themselves and determined to help fundraise for the town’s Christmas lights fund.
The day kicked off at 2pm with the Caithness and Sutherland Adult and Children’s Choir, the debut of the Motherfolkers Unplugged and Rosie Fiddler, a young singer and guitarist, providing some musical entertainment.
There were also displays from local dancing groups, including Rush.Dance and pupils from the Tanya Horne School of Dance.
The evening session saw the Andy Williamson Band, Pappa Duke and headliners They Drove By Night who provided a rock ’n’ roll and soul set which went down a storm, running until the finish at midnight when Skinandi’s disco began.
Throughout the day shopping stalls, Santa’s grotto, children’s games, a bouncy castle and face-painting were on offer and proved very popular, especially Santa, with the Man v Pud contest and the whole event hosted by Mike Henderson, from the Chicken Pickers.
Darren Macleod, Skinandi’s event manager, said the nightclub was delighted to be supporting the Thurso Christmas lights fund again and was impressed with the acts’ generosity by giving their time and talent for free.
"It was a really busy day and there were definitely a lot more kids there than last year," he said.
"The music and dancers were great, along with the choir who were exceptionally good and started it off really well.
"It was Mike Henderson’s first time as host and between him and Santa everyone had a great time. It’s always just a nice change to have families there from grannies to babies. It creates a great atmosphere."
Mr Macleod said he had no idea how much money had been raised yet as there were so many buckets, collecting tins and raffle monies still to count.
"It was a great success and we can’t wait to do it again next year," he said. "They Drove By Night were brilliant and all the other acts were good. The crowd were just completely enthralled by Rosie Fiddler.
"I think for next year we’ll try to have more variety acts as this is the first year we’ve had things like dancers. We normally just have acoustics and bands but this is a bit different. Anyone can go and see a band somewhere but this brings a choir, bands, dancers and children’s games together. Everyone had great fun."