Gala organisers set to deliver a packed programme: 'It's part of the history of Wick'
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Wick Gala Week has been described as "part of everyone's calendar" as organisers make the final preparations for this year's packed programme running from July 22-29.
Saturday evening will see the crowning of gala queen Abby Dunbar, followed by the traditional procession through the streets of the town. The gala will culminate a week later with the bonfire and fireworks display, preceded by a kipper barbecue and a lantern parade at the riverside.
In between there will be a wide range of activities designed to appeal to all ages.
Gala committee chairman Alex McDonald highlighted the importance of the team of volunteers who ensure everything runs smoothly.
The committee has a "helpers page" on Facebook where anyone wishing to assist in specific events can put their name down.
“It always depends on volunteers as far as we're concerned because a lot of people don't want to be on a committee but are quite willing to help," Mr McDonald said. "They don't want to attend meetings, but when gala week arrives they're willing to help out on any events.
"We've got a committee of 21 but then we probably have another 20 to 30 volunteers. Each event has a team leader."
He added: "It's part of the history of Wick and the surrounding community. To not have a gala week would be unthinkable.
"Everyone looks forward to gala week, it's part of everyone's calendar. It's the first thing they ask for – 'When is gala week next year?'
"Some people actually plan holidays around the gala. It seems to be just a party week!
"Everything is starting to take shape now in the background. This will be a busy week with the committee fine-tuning all the events to make sure we've got everything in place then for it to kick off on Saturday night."
Guest speaker at the gala crowning will be Willie Budge.
The ever-popular children's fancy-dress parade will take place at its customary setting, the Braehead, on Tuesday evening.
Other activities include craft fairs (both Saturdays), an open golf tournament (Sunday), autocross (Sunday), blessing of the fleet (Sunday), a picnic for under-fives (Monday), the summer show (Monday), children's dog show (Monday), family quiz (Monday), coffee afternoon with entertainment (Tuesday), two one-act plays by Wick Players (Tuesday), whist drive (Tuesday), prize bingo (Tuesday), a pirate theme at the Isabella Fortuna (Wednesday), children's sports day Wednesday), a neon kids' party (Wednesday), Sweet and Savoury (Wednesday), car treasure hunt (Wednesday), children's bingo (Thursday), senior citizens' afternoon tea with entertainment (Thursday), children's cycle races (Thursday), a Wick gala take on Family Fortunes (Thursday), a family fun day including a colour run and Fairy Liquid football (Friday), an afternoon tea at Pulteney Centre featuring gala pictures and memorabilia, with former gala queens and herring queens invited (Friday), bottle-top bingo (Friday), car-boot sale (Saturday) and the gala fun run/walk (Saturday).
There will also be a photo exhibition at St Fergus Church and an exhibition by Caithness Quilters.
Competitions are being held for best garden in the Wick area and for gala-inspired gardens and windows.
Caithness Seacoast will be running 30-minutes trips on Monday and Wednesday.
A full list is contained in the gala programme which is on sale at various shops around the town, priced £1.50.
