Wickmas stunner ‘just gets better and better’

Organisers of this year’s fabulous Wickmas day have hailed it a triumphant success, calling it ‘one of the best ones yet’.

Held in Wick Hall, in Wick Street, the annual bonanza attracted hundreds of people through the gates – leaving event volunteers delighted.

Roger Arthur, of the Wick Village Traders’ Association, which helped stage the action, was there on the day.

He said: “It was absolutely brilliant. It was one of the best ones ever.

“At one stage, the hall was jam-packed with people. So it went down really well.”

The day was arranged by the Wick Information Centre, in Wick Street, and featured a whole host of Victorian-themed attractions, from a traditional Punch and Judy show, to volunteers wearing Victorian outfits and even a penny farthing display by Paul Savage – who rode the antiquated bike up and down Wick Street on the day.

But as well as all the traditional attractions, there were also a few modern touches to be seen.

Young performers from the Sparkles Variety Group, for example, took centre-stage during a dazzling performance.

There was also a live show by Yapton-based band, Amalgamation.

Julie Roby, manager of the information centre, said she was thrilled at how the day went.

Speaking to the Gazette, Julie said: “It was just fantastic. Everyone loved it and had a really great time.

“I think it ran really smoothly, which I think helped.

“But it was the whole atmosphere which was really nice. It’s such a special and unique event that’s always supported by Wick.”

And support there was. Businesses flocked to back the Christmas spectacular, with many donating gifts, prizes and money towards staging the event.

That support will pay dividends for the rest of the community which is set to be bolstered by all the cash raised during the day.

“We raised about £1,000, which is going to help The All Saints as well as the information centre and the Wick Village Traders’ Association,” said Julie.

“All the money we raise is getting pumped back into the community.”

In spite of this year’s event finishing just days ago, Julie is already looking towards 2015’s, which she promises will be an entirely new experience – although she remained tight-lipped about what this could be, when asked.

“I’ve got lots and lots of ideas. Let’s say another country might be coming to Wick and a lot of presents might also be involved,” she said.

“We’re really excited about it. Hopefully, next year will be bigger and better,” she
 added.

Julie wished to thank all those who supported this year’s event.