Specsavers saves Wick’s Hogmanay street party after last year’s cancellation
“See in the New Year with Specsavers,” is the motto for Wick’s town centre Hogmanay event after a sponsorship deal with the local opticians.
Arrangements for Wick’s Hogmanay celebrations are well underway and the community council group organising the event (HAPPY) is now looking for volunteers.
Rona Morrison is an elected member of the Royal Burgh of Wick Community Council (RBWCC) and secretary of the RBWCC sub-group ‘Hogmanay and People's Party Yearly’ (HAPPY).
“We didn’t have our Hogmanay party last year and there were various reasons for that,” said Rona.
“Thankfully, this year we’ve managed to resurrect it thanks to the committee attracting sponsorship from Specsavers. Ian Morris is the manager of Specsavers and he came up with the motto ‘See in the New Year with Specsavers’.
“My understanding is that the company has sponsored us to the tune of around £2000 and that will cover a large percentage of our outlay. Eclipse is the band that will be playing and will start around 11pm as in previous years. They’ll be playing until 1am.”
HAPPY has been organising Wick’s Hogmanay street party for a number of years. Held within the vicinity of Wick's Market Square and High Street, it provides a chance for friends and family to get together and celebrate taking in the new year in the heart of the town. The event attracts people from both Wick and all over the county.
The previous street party, on Hogmanay 2022, attracted a crowd of around 600 as the event returned for the first time since the start of the pandemic. On that occasion local group Reviver played on the back of a truck and there were pipe tunes from Morven and Glenn Miller.
“There will obviously be the countdown to the bells and two pipers will play at the event. Ian Morris from Specsavers will be the guest speaker.”
Rona says that HAPPY is looking for volunteers to help with stewarding on the night. People with first aid experience are especially welcome. “We had help with volunteers setting up the sound system before but this year the band have their own equipment.”
If anyone wishes to help on the night they can email the HAPPY secretary Rona Morrison at: reamorr1965@gmail.com
