Hogmanay bash planned for Wick with local band lined up

At a community council meeting on Monday, preparations for Wick's upcoming Hogmanay party were discussed.

Vice chair of the Royal Burgh of Wick Community Council (RBWCC), Allan Farquhar, said that plans were well ahead and that the organisation was just waiting for clearance from Highland Council with the required licence for the event.

"This time we've applied for the Highland Council licence and I'm just about to get the event insurance in place as well so we're planning for it to go ahead," he said at the meeting.

The Hogmanay and People's Party Yearly group (HAPPY), is branched from RBWCC, and organises the Wick street party at Hogmanay. This is usually held within the vicinity of Wick's Market Square and High Street. HAPPY says it provides "a chance for friends and family to get together to celebrate taking in the new year in what is the heart of our town". The event attracts people from both Wick and all over the county.

However, the event is subject to Covid restrictions, current at the time, and the HAPPY committee will work closely with Highland Council to ensure Scottish Government laws, guidance and best practice are implemented.

"We've got Cover2Cover from Thurso playing at it this year in the Market Square," said Mr Farquhar. "Cover2Cover play a range of 1960s to 2021 music.They're a well known local band and have been together for a number of years. We also hope to have pipers at the bells."

"At this moment in time it looks like everything is going to go ahead. As always, weather conditions play a big part, but the committee is hopeful that all things being equal, it should go ahead."

The HAPPY committee would appreciate volunteers to act as stewards for the event, especially if they have emergency first aid skills. Anyone interested should contact secretary@wickcommunitycouncil.com

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