THE Enchanted Forest, a Perthshire Big Tree Country event and one of Scotland’s premier sound and light shows, launched last night in an array of dazzling colours to a select audience of press and VIPs at The Explorers Garden in Pitlochry.
The Enchanted Forest, now in its ninth successful year, has been managed by the social enterprise the Highland Perthshire Area Community Interest Company, and is on target to attract up to 25,000 visitors, building on its multi-award winning success at the recent Scottish Event Awards.
The 2011 theme, ‘Transitions’, has been designed by Scottish designers Simon Wilkinson (lighting) and Ronnie McConnell (sound) who have created a dazzling and engaging show against the event’s new backdrop at The Explorer’s Garden.
The original music score and an artistic lighting design delivers a traditional son et lumiere show that entranced audience members at the launch last night.
Local MP and musician, Pete Wishart, attended the opening ceremony and remarked: “This is an absolutely stunning show, with an engaging original music score.
“It is undoubtedly one of Scotland’s finest events.
“Not only does it provide an essential boost for the local economy, it opens up nature and woodlands to literally thousands of people in a brand new light, getting them into the outdoors and cheering up our October evenings. Well worth a visit.”
Derek Allan, chair of The Enchanted Forest 2011, commented: “The Highland Perthshire Community Interest Company have worked tirelessly this year to build on the success of last year’s award-winning production.
“We’ve continued to work with two of Scotland’s most exciting designers to deliver an experience that our visitors will find breath-taking and unique.
“The change of venue will be welcomed by visitors both new and returning and have given us enormous challenges as well as exciting opportunities to incorporate architecture and visitors into the show design, giving it a multi-dimensional feel – you will feel like you have been surrounded by sound and light.”
Says a spokesperson: “This year is also the International Year of the Forests, a series of celebrations around the globe.”
James McDougall from Forestry Commission Scotland is leading those celebrations in Scotland and knows more than most about the Enchanted Forest being the originator of it, back in 2002 and having run it for the first six years.
James commented: “The Enchanted Forest is a tremendous example of how woodlands can help generate income for local businesses and it is really great to see that the show is now in its ninth successful year.
“The International Year of the Forests is about celebrating forests and The Enchanted Forest is a fantastic showcase for Scotland’s natural beauty, attracting visitors from all over Scotland and the world.”
Visitors to the area can also enjoy the Highland Perthshire Autumn Festival events taking place in Pitlochry and surrounding area making it a truly family event.
The event will take run from Friday 7th October – Saturday 29th October. Tickets are in very high demand this year with many shows already selling out.
For further information about the Enchanted Forest and to book tickets, visit the Enchanted Forest website at www.enchantedforest.org.uk.
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