Friday 26th, Saturday 27th Sunday 28th - June 2009
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Wick HarbourFest HomeComing 2009
Friday 26th, Saturday 27th Sunday 28th - June 2009
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4 July 09 Groups of eight children from each of the four Wick Primary schools were shown what life below deck was like on a herring Fifie 100 years ago by the crew of the 80ft long Reaper. They were then given an exciting sea trip along the Caithness Coastline aboard the Caithness SeaCoast RIB in the company of a Highland Council Countryside ranger who pointed out the flora and fauna to be found on the rocky cliffs. Groups of High school pupils were treated to half-day trips aboard the 100 year old Swan into the Moray Firth where a Countryside Ranger explained the ecology of the Firth and its natural habitat value as fish breeding grounds and seabird territory. HarbourFest co-ordinator David Richard-Jones said “ We are very grateful to the Moray Firth Partnership who part sponsored the boat charters and educational trips, as part of their grants scheme to help community groups and schools undertake activities in their local area that benefit the coast and sea of the Moray Firth. The presence of the heritage vessels at the HarbourFest provided a rare opportunity to arrange these study trips which were in great demand among the pupils.”
Wick Harbourfest - Saturday's Photos
Wick Harbourfest
Wick Harbourfest Photos In The Forum 26 June 09 We are very grateful to those funding bodies that have grant aided us, but in line with their policies, they require us to raise monies to use as match funding for their donations. Consequently, we have organised the HarbourFest Raffle, with excellent quality prizes (on display in the Groat Office windows on the Cliff), the sale of Tee Shirts (sponsored by Ackergill Tower) and a very modest entry fee for the three day event. HarbourFest has grown considerably since the previous event and there is an amazing variety of entertainment for all the family from Friday evening to Sunday evening. The responsibility for organising such a large event now requires us to meet Government legislation in respect of Health, Safety and the Environment and we have to ensure that we have sufficient funding in place to meet those obligations.” 16 June 09 There will be signposted disabled parking facilities for Friday evening and Saturday all day in the car parks of the Wick Medical Centre and the adjacent Wick Swimming Pool car park. A disabled shuttle bus will operate a return service to the harbour from the car park for the duration of HarbourFest. All car parking is free. Tickets for the Homecoming Ceilidh (£5 each) on Saturday evening in the Assembly Rooms, are now available from the Ceilidh organiser (tel 01955 603080) 1 June 09 4 May 09 After interviewing 10 local girls for this historic pageant, the HarbourFest Committee are pleased to announce that Lynsey Bremner, Wick, was chosen as Herring Queen elect and her four Ladies-in-Waiting will be Zoe Mackenzie, Wick; Laura Oag, Thrumster; Kerryanne Smith, Watten and Erin Thomson, Wick. Gordon Doull, Chairman of the Wick HarbourFest Committee said “We were delighted with the quality of all applicants, and we were disappointed that we could not give them all a role in the ceremony. Plans for the crowning pageant are progressing well, and we are looking forward to re-enacting this most evocative pageant, dating back to the former herring industry times.” In addition to the Herring Queen and the Ladies-in-Waiting, eight primary pupils have been nominated by the four Wick Primary Schools to form the Junior Court. Pat Bowers, South Primary School, said “It is fantastic to see the younger children involved in this community event. They are so excited! I’m sure these few days will hold a place in their memories forever.” The Herring Queen Crowning Ceremony will take place on the evening of Friday 26th June, when the Queen and Court will land at the Harbour from Wick’s Heritage sailing vessel the Isabella Fortuna. The Queen and her Court will be greeted by a Lone Piper, as was the tradition at the Crowning Ceremonies of the 1930’s. After proceeding round the Harbour, Lynsey will be crowned with a replica of the original Herring Crown at a ceremony to take place on the HarbourFest stage, specially designed and constructed by the local amateur dramatic group, the Wick Players. Wick Players have also volunteered to organise the costumes for the Court and also stage manage the Herring Queen pageant. Jenny Szyfelbain, Chair of the Wick Players, said “The Wick Players love a challenge and feel honoured to be part of the Herring Queen pageant. Our stage crew are beavering away on the stage set, costumes are in hand and we look forward to working with the Queen and Court to bring an auspicious event from yesteryear into today and turn it into a memorable occasion of tomorrow’s history.” The Crowning Ceremony will be held on Friday evening,
with the Queen and Court returning to harbour on the Isabella Fortuna,
accompanied by a flotilla of traditional boats including two sister
vessels, The Reaper from Anstruther and the Swan from Lerwick. A lone
piper will welcome the Queen into harbour, as was the tradition for the
earlier ceremonies. The crowning pageant will follow the style of the
original ceremonies held from 1937 to 1953, apart from the War years. The
Queen will be seated upon a Herring Throne and crowned with a replica of
the original herring queen crown, which is now on display in the Wick
Heritage Centre. 29 March 09 REVIVAL OF THE WICK HERRING QUEEN
FESTIVAL Willie Watt, Chairman of Wick Harbour Authority said “The Harbour Authority was delighted with the HarbourFest celebrations in 2007 and we agreed that a second event should be held in 2009. Wick HarbourFest Committee are to be congratulated on taking the organisation of the event forward, and we look forward to an even more successful community week-end next year”. Gordon Doull, Chairman of Wick HarbourFest Committee, confirmed that they have already started planning a three-day programme for the last weekend in June 2009, which will further develop the interest in the maritime heritage of the area. He said “The Herring Queen Festival is bound to be a really exciting event, and will bring back many memories to those who last saw the celebration. In addition, we have already commenced discussions with the primary and Wick High schools and can confirm that school pupils will undertake projects and studies based on the extensive records and archives relating to the herring industry. Their achievements will form a major feature of the HarbourFest, being showcased in displays of their work, including song, dance and artistic productions. We have commenced fundraising for the event and whilst the programme has yet to be finalised, we are in discussion with numerous community groups regarding their involvement in the celebrations. It promises to be an even more exciting weekend with attractions for every member of the family.” For further details please contact: |
14 March 09 Stall pitches are available on a first come-first served basis; in the case of over-demand, preference will be given to groups offering unusual or innovative goods and products. There is a nominal charge for the pitches, which will be arranged along the harbour-front, as previously. Demand for pitches is expected to exceed that of the last event, and although the layout this year has been altered to provide additional pitches, the organisers urge groups to make early application to ensure a place. For further details please contact: |
Wick Harbour Fest 07
Friday 22 Saturday 23 & Sunday 24 June 2007
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Highland 2007 –
Flotilla 23rd – 29th June 07 10 July 07 10 July 07
Wick Harbourfest
- The Day Wick Harbour Came Back To Life - Photos 20
June 07 The whole of the harbour front, from the mini roundabout at Martha Terrace to the top of the Long Shore Road junction with Bexley Terrace, will be closed to traffic during HarbourFest Saturday. In order to maintain access for emergency vehicles, there will also be parking restrictions throughout Lower Pulteneytown. Two temporary car parks will be bought into use – at the Bignold Park and The Glebe in order to intercept HarbourFest traffic approaching Wick from the South and North respectively. The car parks will be well signposted on approach roads to Wick and police and HarbourFest marshals will be in attendance to direct traffic to the car parks. Further marshals will ensure orderly parking to maximise capacity of the car parks. The organisers have decided against Park and Ride buses since both car parks are within easy walking distance of the harbour. Blue Badge parking for the disabled will be located in the car parks of the Wick Medical Centre and Wick Swimming Pool and marshals will be available to direct cars. A free mini bus shuttle service will operate from the car park to and from the harbour front. The spectacular flotilla departure on Sunday morning is also expected to attract a large attendance and the harbour front will again be closed to traffic with both temporary car parks in use. In addition, the road to the Trinkie swimming pool will be closed to traffic to ensure the safety of pedestrians wishing to photograph the flotilla as it sails past the South Head. HarbourFest organiser, David Richard-Jones said, “I would appeal to all Wick residents to walk, wherever possible, to the harbour rather than attempt to park near the harbour, since all roads must be kept clear for emergency access. In addition, Caithness General Hospital staff have stressed that their car park will only be available to medical personnel and hospital visitors. Please help to make the HarbourFest traffic flow smoothly by following the signed routes.” 19
June 07 16
June 07
Wick
Harbourfest - Friday 22, Saturday 23 & Sunday 24 June Local Bands To Play At
Harbourfest Ceilidh On Saturday 23nd June Sunday 24th June
Pontoons Ready At Wick Harbour For Next Weekends Harbourfest 26
May 07 26
May 07 23
May 07 22
May 07 Application forms are now available from the Wick Harbour Office, 13 Harbour Terrace Wick Telephone 01955:602030 or forms can be downloaded from the HarbourFest website www.wickheritage.org/flotilla . Advice on completing the risk assessment form which accompanies the application form can be obtained by calling the HarbourFest Co-ordinator, David Richard-Jones on 01955 603821 Completed application forms should be lodged with the HarbourFest Office, 50 High Street, Wick, by Friday 25 May. Successful applicants will be advised by Monday 4 June.
14 May 07 Applicants must provide their own stalls as the harbour do not have enough due to the likely high demand. The application form can be downloaded from the HarbourFest website www.wickheritage.co.uk/flotilla . As part of the safety arrangements for the event, applicants are required to complete a Risk Assessment for their stall. HarbourFest Chairman, Gordon Doull, said “As part of our commitment to a safe and successful HarbourFest, we are asking stall-holders to complete a simple form to show that they support our objectives. It is now a requirement for all such events. With so much keen interest in the HarbourFest, we expect a large number of visitors, and we can assure stall-holders of a successful day.” The market is expected to attract over 50 stalls, offering a wide range of local information, products and crafts. In addition to locally based organisations, there will be displays by the major sponsors of the Moray Firth Flotilla including Highland 2007, Pulteneytown Distillery, the Press and Journal, Scottish Co-op and Moray Firth Radio. The Children’s Funfair on the Breahead will also have stalls offering something special for the youngsters to ensure they have a day to remember. Demand for space at the market is expected to be intense. Completed application forms should be lodged with the HarbourFest Office, 50 High Street, Wick, by Friday 25 May. Successful applicants will be advised by Monday 4 June. The organisers are keen to encourage as wide a range of stalls as possible and applications showing innovation and originality will be given preference when allocating stances. For further information please contact
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April 07 The fleet will be arriving in Lybster on Sunday afternoon 24th June 2007 at approximately 2.00pm and departing on Monday morning 25th June 2007. We as a community are to provide our guests, some 35 traditional boats and an estimated 100 yachts with approximately 400 people aboard, with food and entertainment during their visit to Lybster. There is some funding available to support this event, Lybster Heritage Trust has received £3250, CASE may provide further funding if required. 26 March 07 Malcolm Bremner, Wick Harbourmaster revealed that entries were still being received from vessels wishing to join the flotilla of traditional wooden boats which gathers at Wick on Friday 22 June. He added that in addition to the flotilla of heritage boats, there will be many other sailing craft from sailing clubs throughout the UK accompanying the fleet as it sails from Wick to Lybster on Sunday 24 June this year. The size of the event was growing daily and the HarbourFest Committee is in the process of being strengthened to manage the ever-increasing organisational workload. The meeting heard that Wick Harbour Authority are developing plans to install pontoons for visiting yachts in the harbour and the owners of the visiting traditional boats have been invited to allow the public on board to view the vessels at close hand as part of the HarbourFest celebrations. David Richard-Jones of the HarbourFest Committee explained the opportunities which the huge number of visitors likely to attend the event presented to local businesses. He said that the spectacle of perhaps 100 yachts sailing from Wick would not be repeated and the event was fast becoming one of the major attractions within the Highland Year of Culture 2007, with visitors expected from throughout the Highlands. He added the event had grown from the Wick Society Boat Club hosting a handful of traditional boats into one of the UK’s premier sailing events of 2007. This bottom-up approach had paid off and the organisers were now in discussions with staff from HIE Caithness & Sutherland and the Highland Council regarding support to ensure that the economic and social benefits of the event were maximised. After outlining the programme for the
weekend HarbourFest event, Mr Richard-Jones said the committee were now
inviting organisations and businesses of all types to become involved in
the HarbourFest celebrations, and urged interested parties to register
their details via email
([email protected] ) as soon as possible. Application forms
for market stalls and pitches at the harbour would shortly be available
for downloading from the HarbourFest website - 23 February 07 Mr Bremner added “It will also be a wonderful opportunity of Caithness businesses to capitalise on the number of visitors in the town and showcase its hospitality. There will be a demand for food and accommodation. The Portsoy Traditional Boat Festival attracted over 18,000 visitors last year, so this gives an indication of the popularity of this type of event. Local charities and organisations can also benefit by having quay-side stalls and items of interest for the visitors.” All parties, organisations and businesses interested in learning more about the event, or wishing to participate in the celebrations in any way, are being invited to attend a briefing meeting at 7.00pm in Mackay’s Hotel, on Wednesday 28 February, when the HarbourFest ’07 programme and other details of the event will be explained. |
Short
Film Of Wick Harbourfest 2007
16 June 07
For further details, please contact: June 22nd: Boats Begin To Arrive At Wick Some of the Old Fishing Boats Heading For Wick
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