Wick gala team 'gutted' as annual summer event is called off
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Wick Gala Week has fallen victim to the coronavirus crisis along with numerous other local events, bringing disappointment to many.
Gala chairperson Anderina Cass said: "In light of the circumstances that are ongoing and the uncertainty of what the future is going to bring, the committee made the decision to cancel.
"We are all totally disappointed."
Some of the organising committee were hopeful that the popular annual event could be postponed. However, it was decided the fairest and safest option was to let people know in plenty of time that the July 2020 date was cancelled.
Mrs Cass explained: "To hold a gala as successful as the ones we have had over the last few years takes a lot of organisation – it is regrettable that we have had to make this decision. It is very gutting."
She said that the committee was made up of around 35 members with everyone playing a vital role in the smooth running of the event, which involved a great deal of work.
The cancellation has been particularly disappointing for the gala queen and her attendants who were only announced on March 13, following an interview process.
Wick girl Beth Dunnett had been looking forward to leading the traditional float parade through the town and presiding over the events during the festival, along with her attendants Devin Stuart and Lauryn Miller.
"They will be very disappointed," Mrs Cass said. "I know one of the girls will be at university next year so she will try hard to make sure she is home for the gala."
Asked if there were plans to run something else instead later in the year, she said: "I think it is a possibility once this is all over and we have been given the all clear.
"We will discuss what we could do. I'm sure there will be something on the cards, but we haven't decided what it will be.
"It might be quite nice for all the different groups in the town to get together and do something."
Many local people have expressed their sadness about the cancellation of the event on the Wick Gala Facebook page, where the suggestion of a big street party has been made.
Meanwhile, members of the gala team have been making some contributions to the community during the coronavirus crisis.
Donations of sweets, biscuits, juice and toiletries have been made to the residents of care homes in Wick, including Seaview House, Riverside House and Pulteney House, as well as the Town and County Hospital.
The committee also made a donation of £800 towards a new 3D printer to assist with the production of personal protective equipment for frontline key workers in the community.
