Determined that the show will go on Marrellian Majorettes have put together a video to be released tomorrow night to mark what should have been the opening of Wick Gala Week.

The virtual parade will go live on the group's Facebook page on Saturday (July 24) at 7pm and is sure to prove popular with those who would normally be lining the streets for this important event in the town's calendar.

Carrie MacKay, one of the coaches, said: "The girls look forward to it very year, getting dressed up and going through the street. For some of them that was their first chance to wear a costume and it gives the mums a chance to see them do something. We have not been able to do competitions or anything for sometime – it has been good to have a bit of normal.

"We are trying to do as much for them as we can. We've been doing the gala parade for about 40 years, it seemed a shame – some only joined to march through the street on gala night. It is important to do something for them.

"Last year we did a virtual gala parade – we hoped that this year we would be down the street, hopefully next year we will be back to normal."

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Carrie explained that they were able to organise an event like a mini-gala up at the town's Airport Industrial Estate on Wednesday and Thursday and managed to get a couple of pipers to provide a bit of live music. When the Wick Gala committee heard about the plans they gave the group medals and trophies which have gone towards a competition which is hoped will become an annual event.

Wick Gala Committee chair person Anderina Cass said: "The majorettes have always been part of the gala parade – they are the unsung heroes. Everybody coming to see the gala loves watching them.

"We felt it would be quite nice to give them something special because they missed out last year as well – a little treat and something to look forward to. Hopefully if all goes well it will carry on annually with mystery judges in the crowd judging them."

The competition, which attracted around 40 majorettes, has been split into three age group categories – 3-5, 5-8 and 8-11– and includes basic strut, gala routine and cheer routine.

The gala committee supplied mystery judges who were unknown to the majorettes as they marched along in the parades. Presentations will be held on Monday and Tuesday night when the results are announced after the final judging takes part in the class groups.

The eager baton twirlers were very excited to take part in the sessions up at the airport.

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