Blue skies bless the launch of Wick Week

But what a difference 12 months – and a stunning spell of sunshine – can make.

As the party kicked-off at Heo Green on Saturday there was certainly no chance of any repeat cancellation taking place for this year’s bonanza.

More than 100 residents joined the event, and the Peace in the Park afternoon, which featured an array of activities, including displays and a special barbecue organised by the New Highfields Residents’ Group.

But one of the most popular spectacles for 2014 proved to be the pet show, said Julie Roby, one of Wick Week’s co-ordinators.

“I think a lot of people loved the fact that there were different animals this year,” said Julie, who is the manager of the Wick Information Centre. “There were about five snakes, four geckos, two guinea pigs, two rabbits and four or five dogs.

“I think people really enjoyed the show as there were more than just dogs and rabbits.”

This year’s Wick Week festival is once again being co-ordinated by Littlehampton Town Council with the help of a number of Wick-based community groups, traders and other supporters.

Scores of people have been flocking to take part in the various events this week.

A spokeswoman from the town council said that the week-long summer soccer school at The Littlehampton Academy has proved extremely popular.

She said: “Things are going really well at the moment. The soccer school is great value for money.”

With more than half of Week Wick now done, there is still plenty more action left to be had for people of all ages.

Today (Thursday) there will be an over-50s lunch organised by Wick Fryers in Wick Hall, Wick Street, from 11.45am to 1.15pm.

Visitors will be treated to a choice of fish cake and chips, chips and battered sausage or chips and saveloy.

There will be a gentle 15 minute workout provided after lunch, by Albion in the Community, if people fancy taking it on.

Then, from 1.30pm, the ever-popular 50 Up Club bingo afternoon will be opening in the hall.

It will be eyes down at 2pm with the event continuing until 4pm. Entrance is £1 which includes a drink and biscuit.

From 6-7pm in Wick Hall GKR Karate will be hosting a self-defence class for novices.

But it will be Wick’s Got Talent, from 6.30pm at the Wickbourne Centre, in Clun Road, which is expected to really draw the crowds.

The town council spokeswoman said: “It’s always popular and always gets a good turnout from both contestants and spectators.”

Expect an array of talents, with past auditions varying from singing and dancing to comedy acts and circus tricks. There will be three age categories for people to join, with trophies going to the winners. It will be £1 to watch.

Tomorrow (Friday) will see a computer taster for beginners over 50 at the Wick Information Centre, from 10am to 1pm and 2-4pm.

Later, from 7pm, there will be a quiz night at the Wickbourne Centre. For a line-up of remaining events, see www.wickweek.org

A full picture spread will be in next week’s Gazette.