'˜It's Wickmas time, mistletoe and wine'

Tomorrow (Saturday, December 14), Wick Hall, in Wick Street, will once again be transformed into a Victorian winter wonderland.

Everything from live performances, a visit from Santa – who will be offering free presents to children – to lessons on how to ride a penny-farthing bicycle will be on offer.

The spectacle is being organised by the Wick Information Centre, in conjunction with the Wick Village Traders’ Association and All Saints’ Church.

Julie Roby, manager of information centre, said: “All of Wick will be able to hear us this year.

“We have got so many performers taking part. There will be Sparkles Entertainment children’s variety group singing at 11am.

“Later, adults will be singing carols and there will be Amalgamations Tribute Band performing outside throughout the day, too.

“There’s really a lot to look forward to this year.”

The festive fun takes place between 10am and 1pm.

It will include free face-painting and Victorian-themed games for children, mulled wine, minced pies and a number of craft stalls.

Julie explained she had been taken aback by the enthusiasm from the community this year to get involved, admitting the celebration has grown and grown.

“The community is really coming together,” she said. “They have been coming to me with their own ideas on how to improve Wickmas.

“So, for example, Amalgamations offered their services for free. They just believe what we’re doing is an important service for the community and they were really happy to help out.”

The Wickmas celebrations are set to coincide with Littlehampton Carnival Association’s Christmas Fun Day in Littlehampton’s High Street.

However, Julie said that the two events are separate not only in location but atmosphere, too.

“We’re not working against the carnival association,” she explained. “We’re working just for Wick.

“Wickmas is designed to unite the community and is something that we look forward to every year.

“It’s a way to celebrate Christmas as a community and is something that really has its own sort of identity.”

The Wickmas window competition is once again running.

Wannabe detectives will have to visit shops in Wick to work out clues to help identify a well-known sweet.

Entry forms are available from the information centre, Going Spare or the Flower Shop. The winner will receive £25 with the runner-up picking up a hamper full of chocolates and sweets.

Forms for the competition, organised by the Wick Village Traders’ Association, must be returned by Thursday.