Day of family fun ahead as Buckie Christmas Kracker to return in all its glory
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
BUCKIE Christmas Kracker (BCK) is set to roar back in all its glory next Saturday.
After a more limited event last year due to the Covid pandemic it will be time to get back to normal this year when the event gets under way at 11am on Saturday, November 19.
A day of family fun will be rounded off in style with the switching on of the town's Christmas lights, the build-up for the grand finale beginning at 4pm. The actual switch on of the lights, with Santa and some of the lookalike mascots scheduled to flick the switch, is due to be held at some point between 4pm and 4.30pm.
The process of repairing the extensive damage done to the lights by Storm Arwen last year is a long and expensive one, but the volunteer team have been working hard to make sure they can bring some festive sparkle to the centre of town.
Adam Murray, who chairs both the Christmas Kracker and Christmas Lights Committees, said: "It's great to be back up to our full size after a smaller Kracker last year and no event the year before that due to Covid.
"There was a lot of damage to the lights display due to Storm Arwen and we've been working very hard to get back to somewhere near where we are.
"The display in the square won't be the same, it'll be a reduced display but we'll have something up. The Christmas tree was also destroyed by the storm and again, we'll have something up though it won't be the same.
"We're really looking forward to welcoming folk along to what will be a great day."
The centre of town will be turned into a festive paradise for all the family with something for everyone. Santa will be setting up his grotto on the Square and a Hercher's funfair is also due to be in attendance.
The parade makes a welcome return this year after sitting out last year's Kracker due to the spike in Covid cases in Moray. Getting under way at 2pm, the parade will begin in East Church Street and head west.
Crafters and stalls will be situated both inside a marquee and outside, with a packed Christmas market offering a whole host of ideas for Christmas presents. A food court will host a variety of food vans.
Music, dancing and singing on the outdoor stage will provide entertainment through the afternoon.
For those of an active disposition there will the Santa Fun Run. Registration takes place at 10.30am in from of the stage for an 11am start. The race is sponsored by Buckie Rotary will donations going to Buckie Christmas Lights Committee.
Furry friends are not to be forgotten at the Kracker with the Fun Dog Show. Registration for the event will get under way at 11am in front of the main stage with the event itself scheduled to start at midday. Entry costs £1 per class. The show is sponsored by K9 Deli and will be judged Saint Sled Dog Rescue volunteers.
Keep up to date with Kracker new by following their Facebook page.
In order to facilitate the Kracker, Cluny Square will be shut to traffic between 6am on Friday, November 18, and 10am on the Sunday.
Meanwhile, the four roads leading towards the square will also be closed for part of that weekend.
Sections of West Church Street, East Church Street, High Street and North High Street will be shut between 6am on the Saturday and 2am the following day.
