Wick Fun Day ‘will be a casualty next year’ unless new helpers come forward
Wick’s Christmas Fun Day is scheduled for the last Sunday this month – but the event could be in doubt in 2026 unless more volunteers come forward to help run it.
Fun Day has become a Wick tradition marking the start of the countdown to the festive season, with the switching-on of the Christmas tree lights as well as market stalls and activities for children.
Claire Mackenzie told the Royal Burgh of Wick Community Council (RBWCC) this week that she is ready to stand down from her role as chairperson of Wick Christmas Lights Committee after more than a decade.
Afterwards she warned that unless more volunteers step up there could be no Fun Day or Christmas lights next year.
“We are desperate for new volunteers and unfortunately Fun Day will be a casualty next year if new people do not come forward,” Mrs Mackenzie said.
“I have been chairperson for 11 years now and, while I’m not sure I am fully ready to step away, I am ready to hand over the chairperson reins.
“New ideas and new people are always needed. I know many of the voluntary groups are struggling to attract volunteers but it is coming down to the fact that if people don’t come on board then the lights will not go up.
“Everyone will certainly be unhappy and voice their upset, but only they can change that.”
Wick Christmas Lights Committee’s fundraising prize bingo event will take place on Wednesday, November 19, in Harper’s Bar and Function Suite, starting at 7.30pm.
Fun Day 2025 is on Saturday, November 29, from noon until 4pm.
Work by contractors on the Wick street design project will rule out two of the Christmas banners that are normally strung across Bridge Street.
“Many of our lamppost lights will be put up over the next couple of weeks in the evenings, with the main banners being put up on Sunday 23rd at 6.30am,” Mrs Mackenzie said.
“We are unfortunately having to miss out two banners this year due to the street works but I’m sure the town will look sparkly anyway.
“Santa will be on his sleigh tour in December also and we are waiting for the big man to confirm his availability.”
Wick Christmas Lights Committee is a subgroup of the community council, as is Hogmanay and People’s Party Yearly (HAPPY).
RBWCC treasurer Allan Farquhar, the New Year street party organiser, said he was “struggling for stewards” to cover this year’s event. He would be keen to hear from anyone willing to assist.