Hundreds turn out for Living Lerwick’s street parade

The town centre was a hive of activity this afternoon with Living Lerwick’s street parade the centre of attraction.

Hundreds of people were on and around Commercial Street for the parade. Photo: Dave Donaldson
Hundreds of people were on and around Commercial Street for the parade. Photo: Dave Donaldson

Heading towards Commercial Street via Pitt Lane the atmosphere was immediately evident, with children holding balloons and people lined up on both sides of the street in anticipation of the event.

Not everyone was aware of what was happening, however, as a few bemused shoppers picked their way through the throng.

One elderly man was a case in point. “Whit’s aa dis?” he enquired of a woman standing nearby.

“It’s the parade,” she replied. “The Christmas parade.”

“I thought Christmas was next month,” he shrugged, and carried on his way.

Enjoying the parade (from left): Rory Hughes, 15-months, Laura Hughes, Ryan Johnson, two-and-a-half and Tori Anderson. Photo: Dave Donaldson
Enjoying the parade (from left): Rory Hughes, 15-months, Laura Hughes, Ryan Johnson, two, and Tori Anderson. Photo: Dave Donaldson

At around 3.45pm the lights were switched on, the dusk having begun to fall. The first evidence of the parade, which had started at Bain’s Beach, was the appearance of jeweller Ken Rae, a Living Lerwick stalwart, in a festive hat.

He was followed by the rotund figure of Santa himself, and a few “ho ho ho’s”.

Then came the acclaimed Shetland ponies in their Fair Isle garb. They were quite willing to be patted by excited children and one even had a sniff of somebody’s shopping bag. Perhaps there were carrots inside.

The parade included a host of playgroup, nursery and toddler group representatives, followed by Lerwick Beavers, Cubs and Scouts and Guides in uniform.

At around five minutes to four the Lerwick Brass Band appeared, and immediately struck up with an impressive version of Oh Come All You Faithful, followed by God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen.

In fancy dress are (from left): Scott Leggate, Deborah Leggate and Natalia Leggate, aged one. Photo: Dave Donaldson
In fancy dress are (from left): Scott Leggate, Deborah Leggate and Natalia Leggate, aged one. Photo: Dave Donaldson

Last, but definitely not least, came the Jarl’s Squad, with Guizer Jarl Stevie Grant leading an good turnout of Vikings. This should be an ideal warm-up before their big night at Hogmanay in Edinburgh next month.

To the strains of Jingle Bells the crowd began to disperse, many of them heading towards Harrison Square where the Revellers would be playing live.

NO COMMENTS

Add Your Comment

Add Your Comment

Please note, it is the policy of The Shetland Times to publish comments and letters from named individuals only. Both forename and surname are required.

Comments are moderated. Contributors must observe normal standards of decency and tolerance for the opinions of others.

The views expressed are those of contributors and not of The Shetland Times.

The Shetland Times reserves the right to decline or remove any contribution without notice or stating reason.

Comments are limited to 200 words but please email longer articles or letters to editorial@shetlandtimes.co.uk for consideration and include a daytime telephone number and your address. If emailing information in confidence please put "Not for publication" in both the subject line and at the top of the main message.

200 words left

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

logo

Get Latest News in Your Inbox

Join the The Shetland Times mailing list to get one daily email update at midday on what's happening in Shetland.