Wick Works Weil for sunny Gala Week opening event as new queen is crowned
Thousands of spectators turned out on the streets of Wick for the annual crowning of the Gala Queen and the procession of fancy dress revellers and floats.
Many remarked on how the sunny weather had added sparkle to the event and proceedings got underway with the new gala queen, Abby Dunbar, being crowned at the riverside by her predecessor Beth Dunnett.
Wick Gala Committee chairman, Alex McDonald, said: "It's been fantastic and everything's fallen into place as we expected and Mother Nature has done us proud.
"It'll be a busy night ahead as I need to be on the stage at the Assembly Rooms to announce the results [for the floats and fancy dress]."
County Show stalwart Willie Budge was guest speaker at the crowning ceremony. "[The committe said] 'we always have pillars of the community like Lord Thurso and Dr Shallcross but we thought we'd have a change this year' ...so here I am," he announced to gales of laughter from the assembled crowd. "Mind you, I do feel quite qualified as I've been involved with the County show for quite a few years.
"We're starting tonight with the crowning and then leading the procession will be Wick Pipe Band hitting the right notes and the majorettes street display followed by the grand parade of fancy floats. It's a great occasion to meet old friends and make some new ones. One thing that strikes me about Wickers in general is the welcome they give people."
Wick provost and Highland councillor for Wick and East Caithness, Jan McEwan, was delighted with the opening event. "You could not have a better night for it. Everything's just fantastic and I'm really happy to be here as is everyone else I've spoken to."
The new gala queen and attendants then left the stage along with her predecessor and court to make their way to the head of the procession of floats. All who attended the event remarked on how well it had gone and the sunshine was a welcome bonus.
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