Wick fireworks light up the darkening nights

Whizz-bangs across the dark sky at Wick riverside brought delight to many that attended the fireworks event on Saturday evening.

Billed to start at 7.30pm, the fireworks display which was organised by the Wick Gala Committee had a few locals checking their watches and shuffling around in anticipation when the deadline passed.

Wick Gala told people to wrap up warm and said there were "delicious treats including burgers, hot dogs, warm dough rings, tea, coffee and hot chocolate". Hercher's sideshows provided a fun backdrop for the evening event and took a break as the first rockets were sent heavenwards at 8pm precisely to the delight of surrounding spectators.

Earlier that day, two pyrotechnic specialists from Fireworx Scotland, the company behind the display, were seen setting up mortar tubes and other equipment near the children's play area at the riverside.

"It's a week after November the fifth purely because it landed on a Saturday this year and we were fully booked," said Barry Reid from Fireworx Scotland. He said that Saturday's display was a "high impact show" that lasted for 15 minutes.

Describing the forthcoming display that evening, Barry added: "We've got our cakes, which are the multi-shot boxes that fire up to 100 shots. Above that we've got shells bursting. In the finale we use a lot of brocade which fills the sky." He showed how shells are fitted into mortar tubes and are programmed to be fired off in sequence.

Barry said that Fireworx Scotland do displays across the country and much further afield as well. "We've got some new fireworks for tonight with lots of colours. It's great to be back again. I love it up here and the community spirit is really brilliant."

Wick Gala said there was no charge for the special event but donations "would be gratefully received on the night".

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