Hundreds of revellers took to the streets in Wick to bring in the New Year despite the challenging weather conditions.
The partygoers took the cold, wind and rain in their stride as the town’s Hogmanay party returned to welcome in 2025 in Market Square.
Strip the Willow in full swing after the bells. Picture: Robert MacDonald/Northern Studios
They were entertained by Caithness-based weddings and events band, Eclipse, who organisers said pulled out all the stops to keep the crowd dancing.
The annual event is organised by a sub-group of the Royal Burgh of Wick Community Council (RBWCC) known as HAPPY – Hogmanay and People’s Party Yearly. Held within the vicinity of the town’s Market Square and High Street, it provides a chance for friends and family to get together and celebrate the new year in the heart of the town.
The previous event did not go ahead, but spirits were high this time despite the incessant rain in the build-up to the Hogmanay celebration on Tuesday night.
Allan Farquhar, chairperson of RBWCC, and HAPPY event organiser, said: “Despite the weather conditions, around 600 New Year revellers braved the conditions to welcome in 2025 at the Wick Hogmanay Street Party in the Market Square, which provided some shelter from the prevailing wind and rain which resulted in cancellations of similar events nationwide.
“Local band Eclipse pulled out all the stops, playing everything from traditional Scottish tunes, to country and rock ‘n’ roll.”
Celebrating the arrival of 2025. Picture: Robert MacDonald/Northern Studios
He said that the group was extremely grateful to Specsavers in Wick as the main sponsor of the event, which stepped in to help keep the tradition going.
“We would also like to extend our thanks to all the local businesses who contributed to the event, including D Steven & Son, GMR Henderson, Caithness Print Solutions and Riverhouse Inn, without whose generosity the event would not be possible.
“Also thanks to all those that made donations on the night which helps toward the cost to run the event.”
Ian Morris of Specsavers led the countdown to the bells before the partying continued into the early hours of Wednesday.
The traditional Hogmanay bonfire was delayed by 12 hours due to the weather conditions, and took place at Bignold Park at midday on January 1 instead, with up to 300 people in attendance.
Andrew and Vicky Mackay with their daughter Susannah. Picture: Robert MacDonald/Northern StudiosEclipse entertained the revellers who braved the wet, cold and windy conditions to celebrate the New Year at the Wick Hogmanay Street Party. Picture: Robert MacDonald/Northern StudiosDespite the weather, people of all ages were present at the Wick Street Party. Picture: Robert MacDonald/Northern StudiosDanielle Bingham, Kai Foxcell and Gemma Christie. Picture: Robert MacDonald/Northern StudiosGloria Farmer and her lurcher Ziggy celebrate the arrival of 2025. Picture: Robert MacDonald/Northern StudiosA selfie to mark the New Year! Picture: Robert MacDonald/Northern StudiosDancing in the rain, while waiting for the bells. Picture: Robert MacDonald/Northern StudiosWick Hogmanay Street Party group chairman Allan Farquhar (right) and sponsor Ian Morris, director of Specsavers Wick branch. Picture: Robert MacDonald/Northern StudiosErin McBean with Bruan, Willow and Joni Farmer. Picture: Robert MacDonald/Northern StudiosScott MacKenzie and Gemma Christie. Picture: Robert MacDonald/Northern Studios
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