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 Forestry Commission Scotland’s Faskally Wood near Pitlochry.
The 12th event in the series is on course to smash all previous box office records, with organisers reporting that advance ticket sales are up over 50 per cent on the previous year.
The 2013 show, ‘absorb’, has been designed by a creative team led by Derek Allan, including Scottish lighting designers, Kate Bonney and Simon Hayes, music by RJ McConnell, and a specially-commissioned orchestral piece in collaboration with composer, Jon Beales.
Together, they have created a dazzling and engaging show which celebrates the stunning woodland setting of the event and appropriately marks the Year of Natural Scotland.
Derek Allan, producer of The Enchanted Forest 2013, commented:
“We have worked especially hard this year to ensure we deliver a show that is both creative and visually stunning. Every year, the remarkable natural woodland of Faskally Wood provides our canvas and inspiration and we really hope our audience members enjoy their visit.
“Thanks to funding from EventScotland we have been able to extend the reach of the show this year into new markets and I am certain that new visitors to the event from the North-east of England, as well as from closer to home, will find the experience both breath-taking and unique.”
Pete Wishart, Member of Parliament for Perth and North Perthshire, formally opened the show on Wednesday night, commenting:
“This is undoubtedly one of Scotland’s finest cultural events which just continues to go from strength to strength. Last year it attracted over 30,000 visitors to Highland Perthshire, an essential boost for the local economy, but it also showcases the natural beauty of Scotland right across the globe. The Enchanted Forest is a must-see event for any visitor to Scotland in the Autumn.”
Budding photographers visiting The Enchanted Forest this year will also have the chance to submit their own digital artwork to an esteemed panel of judges for the event’s first ever photographic competition.
The winner will receive vouchers for photography kit as well as see their winning image displayed as a special guest exhibit in Perth Museum and Art Gallery’ Big Roots Exhibition, which features images of big trees from the local area.
Derek Allan commented: “Every year, our visitors send in literally hundreds of photos on social media and we thought it would be fantastic if we could reward them for their photographic efforts.
“We are very lucky to have secured Anna Henly, an award winner at the BBC Wildlife Photographer of the Year Competition, to act as our guest judge and we very much look forward to seeing everyone’s interpretations of The Enchanted Forest this year.”
The event runs from Friday 4th October – Sunday 27th October.
Tickets are in very high demand this year with many shows already sold out.
For further information about the Enchanted Forest, the photographic competition and to book tickets, visit the Enchanted Forest website at www.enchantedforest.org.uk
ENDS
Key facts about The Enchanted Forest
Founded: 2002
Location: Forestry Commission Scotland’s Faskally Wood near Pitlochry.
Ownership and management: Highland Perthshire Community Interest Company, a social enterprise
Managing director: Graham Brown
Visitors: Over 30,000 visitors attend annually – up to 35,000 can attend in 2013
Creative director: Derek Allan, deputy chief executive and commercial director of Pitlochry Festival Theatre
Show designers: Kate Bonney and Simon Hayes (lighting) and RJ McConnell (sound), Jon Beales (composer)
Sound and lighting main contractor: Northern Light
Event awards and nominations:
2013:
- WINNER, Best Cultural Event, 2013 Scottish Event Awards
- WINNER, Cultural Event of the Year Award (Regional), Scottish Thistle Awards
2012:
- WINNER, VisitBritain Marketing Campaign of the Year Award (Regional), Scottish Thistle Awards
- FINALIST, VisitBritain Marketing Campaign of the Year Award (Regional), Scottish Thistle Awards
- Commendation, Best Marketing Campaign, 2012 Scottish Event Awards
2011:
- WINNER, Event Management Grand Prix, 2011 Scottish Event Awards
- WINNER, Best Cultural Event, 2011 Scottish Event Awards
- Commendation, Best Large Event, 2011 Scottish Event Awards
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