SCOTLAND’S FAVOURITE SOUND AND LIGHT SHOW CREATES A SYMPHONY OF NATURE

The Enchanted Forest, Scotland’s favourite sound and light show, welcomed visitors back to the familiar, majestic surroundings of Faskally Wood in Pitlochry last night (2 October) with its 2024 show ‘Symphony of Nature’.

This year’s show, which runs until 3 November, is a celebration of the natural world and the harmonies created by the many animals who call Faskally Wood home. It is an unforgettable journey through a symphony of lights, music, and the natural beauty of the forest, encouraging visitors to immerse themselves in a magical celebration of unity and the beauty of nature’s interconnectedness.

Visitors were transported into an immersive outdoor experience, combining a kaleidoscope of vivid colours with inspirational original music. The creative interpretation heralds the return of Beira, the mythological Goddess of Winter from the 2023 Enchanted Forest show, as a wise and gentle conductor who orchestrates the forest’s melody. Beira’s magical wish upon a dandelion seed sets the stage for a breathtaking journey for visitors around the ancient wood amidst dazzling displays of light, atmospheric sound, and dancing fountains, transforming the forest into a harmonious haven.

This year’s show includes several impressive installations which push the technical boundaries of outdoor displays including a spectacular light show over Loch Dunmore using music, animation, projection, beams, lights, and lasers to create a visual and audible celebration of harmony in all its forms.

Visitors can also interact with an innovative sonic sculpture, In Bloom, which makes its public debut at the show. Funded by Creative Scotland and designed by Kumquat Lab art studio, the sculpture combines design, light and interactive technology. Inspired by the natural process of pollination and resembling a flower, the sculpture enables visitors to create their very own special tune through touching various parts of the artwork.

Nela Popovic, Chief Executive Officer of The Enchanted Forest Community Trust, said: “Once again, it’s such a delight to see the months of planning come to life with the opening of our 2024 show, Symphony of Nature. Always at the forefront of technological innovation in sound and light, The Enchanted Forest team has raised the creative bar once again. It’s fantastic to be able to keep pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in every way we can, and put on a show that is truly unforgettable for our thousands of visitors. To be able to incorporate impressive artwork such as In Bloom brings a fantastic, unique interactive element to our show, allowing our visitors to create their very own symphony of nature.”

 The Victorian town of Pitlochry is bracing itself for it’s “second summer” as 85,000 visitors from all around Scotland and further afield flock to Highland Perthshire to see the spectacle. With proceeds from the annual event redistributed to community groups, and an independent economic assessment citing an impressive £10.38 million to the Highland Perthshire economy from the event, it’s a much welcomed feature in the region’s Autumn tourism calendar. Just last month the event won the Regional Scottish Thistle Award for Celebrating Thriving Communities and will compete for the national title this November.

The year’s show will run until 3 November and tickets, while selling quickly, are still available. To find out more information, or to book, please visit: www.enchantedforest.org.uk.

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NEW TRUSTEE BRINGS SUSTAINABILITY EXPERTISE TO THE ENCHANTED FOREST’S GOVERNANCE TEAM

The Enchanted Forest Community Trust, the charity behind Scotland’s pioneering sound and light show, The Enchanted Forest, has further strengthened its governance team with the appointment of a sustainability specialist as a new trustee, helping to ensure the award winning event continues to work towards its sustainability goals.

Barry Fisher, CEO of environmental charity Keep Scotland Beautiful, has a personal mission of partnering with all who share Keep Scotland Beautiful’s ambition for a clean, green, and sustainable Scotland. He joins the Enchanted Forest Community Trust board bringing with him a wealth of experience in the voluntary sector where the environment has been a key focus, including roles where he sought to engage young people with activities which depend on clean, healthy environments. Prior to his role at Keep Scotland Beautiful, he was Scotland Director at the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.

Barry’s appointment brings expertise in sustainability to the organisation and the award-winning event. It has enabled The Enchanted Forest’s full senior operations team to participate in advanced sustainability awareness training with the Keep Scotland Beautiful team.

Barry commented: “I’m very much looking forward to supporting the work of the Enchanted Forest Community Trust as a trustee, and to bringing my experience to help shape the event so it becomes as sustainable as possible for Faskally Wood, its wildlife and the people who visit. It’s fitting that this year the Enchanted Forest’s show is entitled Symphony of Nature – celebrating the beauty of nature’s interconnectedness.   I am excited to contribute to the shows continuing success and commitment to sustainability, and hope to help inspire the Trust and visitors to the show to take positive action for our environment.”

Karen Bothwell, Chair of The Enchanted Forest Community Trust, said: “Barry’s appointment will further bolster The Enchanted Forest’s strategic board to develop The Enchanted Forest and its charitable community initiatives. We are actively looking at ways to make the event more sustainable and Barry’s appointment to the board means we will have the expertise and guidance on hand to make the right decisions which will benefit the environment, and ensure we continue working towards achieving our sustainability goals.

“We are keen to have a minimal impact on the environment in which the show operates, and the wildlife that call Faskally Wood their home. The team take all possible measures to minimise the impact on the forest environment and retain an environmental and wildlife impact assessor to carry out an annual environmental impact assessment on the show.”

The Enchanted Forest’s 2024 show, Symphony of Nature, takes place 3 October to 3 November. To book tickets, or to find out more information, please visit: www.enchantedforest.org.uk.

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THE ENCHANTED FOREST WINS SCOTTISH THISTLE AWARD

Scotland’s favourite sound and light show, The Enchanted Forest, has won the Celebrating Thriving Communities category at this year’s Scottish Thistle Regional Awards, which took place yesterday (26 September) at the Sheraton Grand Hotel in Edinburgh.

The trailblazing event, which runs annually in the autumn at the beautiful Faskally Wood in Pitlochry, attracting over 85,000 visitors, was one of two organisations shortlisted for the Celebrating Thriving Communities award. This award celebrates partnerships, collaborations and team working – whether that be with local businesses, communities, or a group of individuals – coming together to protect and enhance the environment whilst growing social, cultural and economic wealth.

The Scottish Thistle awards showcase the very best of Scotland’s tourism sector, helping to ensure that tourism, and the individuals who work in the industry are recognised for the positive impact they bring to the country and communities.

Nela Popovic, Chief Executive Officer of The Enchanted Forest Community Trust, said: “We’re over the moon to have won this award. It has been a true team effort. It is a reflection of the hard work which has gone into engaging and working with the local community as effectively as possible to ensure The Enchanted Forest continues to be a success, and continues to be a key driver of tourism, bringing in an incredible £10.38 million to the local tourism economy of Highland Perthshire.

“As a not-for-profit organisation and to reflect our ethos of giving back to the local community in which the event has called its home for over twenty years, we have given away a record number of grants this year to registered charities operating in Highland Perthshire. We have awarded the highest ever figure of £97,815 to twenty-six organisations, and in addition £6,700 in discretionary donations to a range of local community groups. We are delighted to see the difference this money is already making to many lives in Highland Perthshire.”

The Enchanted Forest’s 2024 ‘Symphony of Nature’ show will take place 3 October to 3 November. To book tickets, or to find out more information, please visit: www.enchantedforest.org.uk.

The Central and East Thistle Award winners 2024 can be found here: Central & East Thistle winners announced – News | VisitScotland.org

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NEW TRUSTEE BRINGS AI EXPERTISE TO THE ENCHANTED FOREST’S GOVERNANCE TEAM

The Enchanted Forest Community Trust, the charity behind Scotland’s pioneering sound and light show, The Enchanted Forest, has strengthened its governance team with the appointment of an AI specialist as a new trustee, helping to ensure the award winning show remains at the cutting edge of technological developments.  

Gordon Johnstone, a creative marketing professional with over a decade of experience in delivering strategies, events and innovation, joins the six-person strong team of trustees. Gordon is currently Communications Manager at the Scottish AI Alliance where he contributes towards delivering Scotland’s AI strategy. Gordon is an active member of the arts and science community in Scotland, regularly speaking at events on the topic of AI and in his spare time hosts a science and technology podcast, called The Last Question. Previously, Gordon has organised international science conferences, worked in PR, the third sector and in generalist marketing roles.  

Gordon’s appointment will further strengthen The Enchanted Forest Community Trust’s strategic board to develop The Enchanted Forest and its charitable community initiatives, bringing additional expertise to the organisation and the event, which draws over 80,000 visitors to Highland Perthshire annually.  

Gordon said: “I’m honoured to be joining the Enchanted Forest Community Trust at this time, as Scotland’s favourite sound and light show continues to evolve and get better year on year. Working at the intersection of technology and creativity has given me a deep appreciation of events like The Enchanted Forest and how important they are in Scotland. The commitment to innovation and the enormous benefit they bring to the local economy are truly inspiring and I am excited to contribute to the show’s continuing success.”  

Karen Bothwell, Chair of The Enchanted Forest Community Trust, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Gordon as our new trustee at the Enchanted Forest Community Trust. He is a great addition to our Board, bringing a new, unique skillset. We have no doubt he will make an invaluable contribution to the future success of the charity, its community initiatives and, of course, Scotland’s favourite sound and light show which is the economic powerhouse behind all the work of the charity.”  

The Enchanted Forest’s 2024 show, Symphony of Nature, takes place 3 October to 3 November. To book tickets, or to find out more information, please visit: www.enchantedforest.org.uk.  

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THE ENCHANTED FOREST SHORTLISTED FOR COMMUNITY AWARD

Scotland’s favourite sound and light show, The Enchanted Forest, has been shortlisted at this year’s Courier Business Awards in the Community category. It’s the second Community award shortlisting for the charity led event which donates its proceeds to local causes.

The trailblazing event, which runs annually in the autumn at the beautiful Faskally Wood in Pitlochry, attracting over 85,000 visitors, also boosts the local tourism economy in Highland Perthshire of £10.38 million annually.

The popular event is one of four organisations shortlisted for the Community award, sponsored by Insights, which recognises groups and businesses who put community at their heart, demonstrating a significant contribution to the community and a commitment to local employment, partnership working and social inclusion.

The Courier Business Awards showcase the very best companies and business talent operating in Tayside and Fife. The black-tie ceremony to announce the winners is the region’s the biggest business event in the area and is held in October.

Nela Popovic, executive director of The Enchanted Forest Community Trust, said: “We’re absolutely delighted to be shortlisted for this award and it’s a second feather in the cap of our team who have worked so hard to ensure that the local community is engaged with the event and benefits directly from it.

“We are also thrilled with the impact of this year’s Enchanted Forest Community Fund and, with  a record number of grants issued last year, we are already seeing great work being done in the local community as a result. All who have been shortlisted are deserving winners and we are looking forward to the final in the October.”

The Enchanted Forest’s 2024 ‘Symphony of Nature’ show will take place 3 October to 3 November. To book tickets, or to find out more information, please visit: www.enchantedforest.org.uk.

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ENCHANTED FOREST REVEALS ITS FIRST EVER ANIMATED SHOW MAP

The Enchanted Forest, Scotland’s favourite sound and light show has revealed the event’s first ever animated show map.  

The event, which takes place between 3 October and 3 November 2024 in Pitlochry, Highland Perthshire, is a long-established Autumnal mecca for Scotland’s families. The animated show map is the first of its kind in the event’s 20-plus year history and takes the visitor on a short journey around Faskally Wood, highlighting the various installations and audio features they will experience while visiting The Enchanted Forest later this year. 

Tricia Fox, marketing manager for the popular autumn event, commented, “We’re very excited to bring our show map to life for the very first time. Our visitors are always very interested in what they might expect to see at the show, but in the past we’ve had to rely on flat visuals and words to paint that picture. This year we’ve used technology to bring each installation concept to life either through animation or audio snippets to give people a taste of what they will be able to enjoy on a much grander scale come October. The Enchanted Forest has always been at the forefront of technological innovation in sound and light, so it’s fantastic to keep pushing the boundaries for what’s possible in every way we can.” 

 This year’s show promises to be an unforgettable journey through a symphony of lights, music, and the natural beauty of the forest. Visitors to this year’s Enchanted Forest will be transported into an immersive outdoor experience which combines a kaleidoscope of vivid colours with inspirational original music. The animated show map highlights the range of impressive installations on the woodland trail that visitors will see brought to life this Autumn.   

 Tickets for the 2024 show are on sale, with weekend tickets nearly sold out. To book tickets, or to find out more information, please visit: www.enchantedforest.org.uk.  

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THE ENCHANTED FOREST SHORTLISTED FOR SCOTTISH THISTLE AWARD

Scotland’s favourite sound and light show, The Enchanted Forest, has been shortlisted at this year’s Scottish Thistle Regional Awards in the Celebrating Thriving Communities category.

The trailblazing event, which runs annually in the autumn at the beautiful Faskally Wood in Pitlochry, attracting over 83,000 visitors, is able to deliver an incredible shot in the arm to the local tourism economy in Highland Perthshire of £10.38 million annually.

The popular event is one of only two organisations shortlisted for the Celebrating Thriving Communities award, which celebrates partnerships, collaborations and team working – whether that be with local businesses, communities or a group of individuals – coming together to protect and enhance our environment whilst growing social, cultural and economic wealth.

The Scottish Thistle awards showcase the very best of Scotland’s tourism sector, helping to ensure that tourism, and the individuals who work in the industry are recognised for the positive impact they bring to the country and communities.

Nela Popovic, executive director of The Enchanted Forest Community Trust, said: “We’re delighted to be shortlisted for this award. It’s a true testament to the hard work and dedication of the entire team to engage with and work with the local community as effectively as possible to ensure the event is as successful as it can be, whilst minimising any adverse impact on Pitlochry.

“We are also thrilled with the impact of this year’s Enchanted Forest Community Fund donations. We have given away a record number of grants to registered charities operating in Highland Perthshire. As part of the trust’s ethos to give back to the local community in which the event has called its home for over twenty years, the highest ever figure of £97,815 has been awarded to twenty-six organisations. Congratulations to all those shortlisted and we are looking forward to the final in the autumn.”

The Enchanted Forest’s 2024 ‘Symphony of Nature’ show will take place 3 October to 3 November. To book tickets, or to find out more information, please visit: www.enchantedforest.org.uk.

The Scottish Thistle Regional Awards final will take place in autumn 2024.

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THE ENCHANTED FOREST DELIVERS £73 MILLION TO PERTHSHIRE ECONOMY SINCE ITS INCEPTION

An independent economic impact assessment report commissioned by the Enchanted Forest Community Trust, the organisers behind Scotland’s favourite sound and light show, has found the event is now able to deliver an annual, impressive economic impact of £10.38 million to Highland Perthshire, a collective economic impact total of £73 million since the event began in 2002.

The report, undertaken by the Tourism Resources Company, focused on the 2023 event which took place from 5 October to 5 November. It confirmed the event’s crucial role in delivering an impressive boost to the local tourism economy in and around Pitlochry every autumn. Attracting up to 83,000 visitors from all over the UK and beyond, ticketing data for the 2023 event which took place between 5 October and 5 November, showed visitors travelled from twenty-nine different countries to Highland Perthshire specifically for the event.

As part of the economic impact assessment report, designed to assess the fiscal impact of the event on the Perth and Kinross economy, a visitor survey was conducted online with 4,013 respondents, most of whom were female (81%). The visitor survey found the vast majority of visitors (91%) only visited Pitlochry because of The Enchanted Forest event, the majority of visitors (89%) were outside of Perth and Kinross, and 51% had stayed overnight, significantly benefiting local businesses such as Fishers Hotel, Scotland’s Spa Hotel and McKay’s Hotel; local eateries including Victoria’s, Old Mill Inn and McKay’s Chip Shop, as well as numerous independent shops in Pitlochry.

The overall event was rated highly with an impressive 93.04% positive customer enjoyment level, with 89% rating the overall value for money as excellent/very good. The visitor survey also highlighted the continuing popularity of the event, with repeat customer attendance in 2023 at 50.75%, coupled with a repeat customer enjoyment level score of 92.06%, confirming a growing trend in customer loyalty. Customer satisfaction levels have significantly increased, with 72% enjoyed the event more compared to their previous visit (48% in 2022), and almost all (99%) rating the stewarding team as excellent/very good.

Monique McArdle, event producer at The Enchanted Forest, said: “This report confirms the significant impact Scotland’s favourite sound and light show has on the economy of Pitlochry and Highland Perthshire every autumn, with an impressive £10.38 million boost. With the majority of respondents to the online survey confirming that the event is their only reason for visiting the area, the economic  ripple effect of the event cannot be underestimated.

“Whilst the impact of the unprecedented weather conditions last year necessitated four show cancellations, costing the region roughly £1.2 million, The Enchanted Forest has been and remains a  Key driver in transforming a traditionally quiet time of year in Highland Perthshire into a significant period of tourism, and it continues to have a major role to play in showcasing Pitlochry and wider Highland Perthshire as a tourism destination. We’re also delighted that customer satisfaction continues to be high, and with over half of our visitors having been before, we know it’s now a mainstay of the tourism calendar in Highland Perthshire and a must-see annually for thousands of people from all over the world. In order for us to raise the bar year on year we listen carefully to all visitor feedback and aim to improve the event and visitor experience as much as we can to ensure all visitors have a great time.”

Angus John MacLellan, owner of Victoria’s Restaurant and The Old Mill Inn, Pitlochry, said: “The Enchanted Forest as an event is incredibly valuable to the area and to our businesses in Pitlochry. The Influx of visitors provides a welcome boost to business and extends the busy summer season into a traditionally quieter time of year allowing us to continue operating at peak levels. During Covid times, the event was greatly missed, and we see it as being a vital part of the area’s draw. It brings families and visitors that many not ordinarily come to the area outside of the event, spending and contributing to the local economy.”

Brian Wishart, General Manager at Fisher’s Hotel, Pitlochry, added: “The Enchanted Forest significantly boosts the hotel during the event, from both a rooms and a food point of view. We are delighted to work with The Enchanted Forest and hope that the event continues to bring visitors to Pitlochry.”

The success of the 2023 Enchanted Forest show has enabled organisers behind the award-winning show, The Enchanted Forest Community Trust, to award a record number of grants to registered charities operating in Highland Perthshire. As part of the trust’s ethos to give back to the local community in which the event has called its home for over twenty years, the highest ever figure of £97,815 has been awarded to twenty-six organisations.

Tickets for the 2024 show are currently on sale, which takes place 3 October to 3 November. The show theme will be revealed in June. To book tickets, or to find out more information, please visit: www.enchantedforest.org.uk.

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ENCHANTED FOREST UNVEILS 2024 THEME: ‘SYMPHONY OF NATURE’

Organisers behind Scotland’s favourite sound and light show, The Enchanted Forest, which takes place between 3 October and 3 November 2024 at Faskally Wood, Pitlochry, Highland Perthshire, have confirmed this year’s much anticipated show theme is ‘Symphony of Nature’.

The latest show theme from this long-established Autumnal event is a celebration of the natural world and the harmonies created by the many creatures who call Faskally Wood home. This year’s show promises to be an unforgettable journey through a symphony of lights, music, and the natural beauty of the forest, encouraging visitors to immerse themselves in a magical celebration of unity and the beauty of nature’s interconnectedness.

Visitors to this year’s Enchanted Forest will be transported into an immersive outdoor experience which combines a kaleidoscope of vivid colours with inspirational original music. Beira, the Goddess of Winter, from the 2023 Enchanted Forest show, will return as a wise and gentle conductor who orchestrates the forest’s melody. Beira’s magical wish upon a dandelion seed will set the stage for a breathtaking display of light, sound, and dancing fountains, transforming the forest into a harmonious haven.

This year’s show will include several impressive installations, including a spectacular light show over Loch Dunmore using music, animation, projection, beams, lights, and lasers to create a visual and audible celebration of harmony in all its forms.

Nela Popovic, executive director of The Enchanted Forest Community Trust, said: “We’re delighted to be announcing this year’s show theme, ‘Symphony of Nature’, bringing together light and sound in a completely unique way to celebrate the incredible abundance of natural life that exists within Faskally Wood.  Our creative team have been working exceptionally hard behind the scenes to bring a show which once again raises the bar and will delight every visitor from young to old. We can’t wait to welcome visitors back to the beautiful Faskally Wood in October for another extraordinary show.”

Tickets for the 2024 show are now on sale. To book tickets, or to find out more information, please visit: www.enchantedforest.org.uk.

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ENCHANTED FOREST COMMUNITY TRUST AWARDS A RECORD NUMBER OF GRANTS TO PERTHSHIRE CHARITIES

The Enchanted Forest Community Trust, the charitable organisation behind Scotland’s favourite sound and light show, The Enchanted Forest, established for the economic benefit of the community, has awarded a record number of grants to registered charities operating in Highland Perthshire – the highest ever figure of £97,815 to 26 organisations.

Having also received the highest ever number of applications this year, the Enchanted Forest Community Fund was set up in 2015 to redistribute the proceeds from the annual event to the local community in Highland Perthshire. This year the fund was open to registered charities operating within Highland Perthshire who could apply for up to £10,000 from the fund to finance projects. The charity specifically sought applications that focused on helping people in need with the cost of living crisis, help with battling child poverty and focus on child welfare and increase inclusion, enablement, independence, mental health and wellbeing.

The Trust was also looking for projects which increase access to employment, volunteering, learning, culture, sport, and leisure opportunities and aim to improve infrastructure which benefits the community and promotes sustainability through best practices.

One of the 26 charities to receive grant funding is the Upper Tay Anti-Poverty Support Group, a charitable body founded during the pandemic to support people struggling financially in Highland Perthshire, covering a mostly rural area, stretching from Logierait, Ballinluig, Grandtully to Aberfeldy, Dull and Weem. The support offered by the group includes providing laptops for Ukrainians recently moved to the area, supporting flood victims living in Ballinluig and providing financial support for schools to provide breakfast clubs for pupils who otherwise wouldn’t eat. According to the Local Child Poverty Action Report 2022/23, produced by Perth and Kinross Council and NHS Tayside, 5,914 children (21.9%) in Perth and Kinross are living in relative poverty.

Judy Ewer, founder and member of the Upper Tay Anti-Poverty working group, which includes representatives from local churches, schools, the community warden, and other support groups such as Christians Against Poverty and Breathe Youth Project, said: “We’re absolutely delighted with the funding received from the Enchanted Forest Community Trust, which enables us to continue to offer support to those who find themselves in unexpected financial difficulties through no fault of their own. We are able to come alongside them and offer them financial support, which has a massive positive impact on their mental health and general wellbeing. As we know financial stress can be a huge burden. We have an upper limit on the amount given to each case, and the charity trustees scrutinise every case to ensure the right amount of funds are reaching the right people.”

Established just over a year ago, Pitlochry Community Action Trust is another charity to receive grant funding from the Enchanted Forest Community Trust. The charity exists to deliver the priorities laid out in the community action plan which was developed in consultation with local residents’ to gather their thoughts and feelings about how Pitlochry could be improved.

Beth Taylor, Development Officer at the Pitlochry Community Action Trust, said: “We’re so grateful to be awarded this grant from The Enchanted Forest Community Trust. Three different projects will be benefitting from the funding;  each of these focus on improving the general environment of Pitlochry for residents and visitors alike. This includes improving signage, installing new waste bins throughout the town, and  looking into the feasibility of taking community ownership of the town hall.”

Other charities operating in Highland Perthshire awarded grant funding include the Pitlochry Community First Responders, The Sunshine Box who supply new toys, books, games, toiletries and pyjamas to children in hospital in NHS Tayside who might be going for painful or frightening procedures, and Christians Against Poverty, Aberfeldy, who exist to provide free, personalised, local debt advice and budgeting support to anyone in Highland Perthshire.

Nela Popovic, Executive Director of The Enchanted Forest Community Trust, said: “Thanks to the success of the 2023 Enchanted Forest event we’ve been able to give back over £97,000 to 26 registered charities operating in the Highland Perthshire region, this is almost twice as much as was awarded in 2023. The show would not be the success it is without the support of the local Highland Perthshire community, and giving back to the community is our way of saying a big thank you, whilst also supporting many very worthy charities who are doing some incredible work in Highland Perthshire.

“Our desire is that the Enchanted Forest Community Fund is a force for good, creating a lasting positive impact and legacy within the community in which the event has called its home for the last twenty-plus years. It’s fantastic to see this vision come to life through the many charities and community groups we have supported and continue to support through the fund.”

The Enchanted Forest Community Trust requires that all charities who have received the grant funding report back on how they have used their money in relation to their request, demonstrating how it has helped people in need with the cost of living crisis in the Highland Perthshire area; increased inclusion, enablement, independence, mental health and wellbeing; increased access to employment, volunteering, learning, culture, sport and leisure opportunities and improved infrastructure that benefits the community.

To access the full list of the successful charities, please visit: The Community – The Enchanted Forest

 

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THE ENCHANTED FOREST RELEASES 2024 TICKETS

Organisers behind Scotland’s favourite sound and light show, The Enchanted Forest, have announced tickets for the 2024 show will go on public sale on 12 April at 10am, some two months earlier than normal, enabling fans of the award winning show more time to plan ahead.

The event, which attracts 85,000 visitors to Highland Perthshire every autumn, will take place from 3 October to 3 November. Creative development for this year’s show is now well underway, and the 2024 show theme will be revealed in June.

Showcasing Highland Scotland’s natural landscape at its autumnal best, the annual show is responsible for delivering an impressive economic impact of nearly £10 million to Highland Perthshire every autumn. Blending light, video, and sound to create a unique visitor experience, this year’s show will include several impressive installations including the usual spectacular light show over Loch Dunmore which uses music, animation, projection, beams, lights, and lasers to create a truly immersive experience.

Nela Popovic, CEO of The Enchanted Forest Community Trust, said: “We’re extremely excited about this year’s show and the creative thinking behind this year’s theme which we’re looking forward to revealing in June. We made the decision to launch tickets early this year to give all visitors more time to plan ahead and budget accordingly.

“We know that the majority of our 85,000 visitors are from outside Perth and Kinross and over half stay overnight in the region. The earlier release date provides a longer lead in time for visitors to plan their trip to Highland Perthshire and take full advantage of the wealth of the other visitor attractions that exist in the proximity of Pitlochry. This includes the new Perth Museum which just opened to the public at the end of March.”

In response to positive feedback and audience demand, event organisers have also extended the availability of their autism friendly performances to run every night. These are smaller capacity sessions taking place at the start of the evening, allowing visitors with autism to be first on site, with almost exclusive access to the event while they are there.

Recognising that big, noisy queues, crowds and even louder levels of sound at the event can be overwhelming for people with autism, organisers have worked hard to develop autism friendly solutions that maintain the magical Enchanted Forest experience.

Nela Popovic commented: “Every year we are looking to make the event even more accessible than the last, and the popularity of the autism friendly performances last year was such that it made complete sense for us to enable more families to be able to access these quieter sessions. I’m delighted that there are now options to attend every night and not just on limited dates.”

Tickets will go on sale for the 2024 event from 10am on Friday 12 April. To book tickets, or to find out more information, please visit: www.enchantedforest.org.uk.

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HIGHLAND PERTHSHIRE VOLUNTEER ENSURES LOCAL SCHOOL CHILDREN ARE FED AND CLOTHED

A volunteer in Highland Perthshire has been responsible for ensuring Highland Perthshire pupils most in need have been fed and clothed since the pandemic through the formation of charitable body, the Upper Tay Anti-Poverty Support Group.

Along with those in her church, Judy Ewer saw a need to help those in her community who were really struggling financially. Starting with a whip round in her church to help those desperately in need, Judy realised a more permanent solution was required for accessing funds that could be distributed to people in her community who really needed the support.

Covering a mostly rural area, stretching from Logierait, Ballinluig, Grandtully to Aberfeldy, Dull and Weem, the Upper Tay Anti-Poverty Support Group has been able to raise £40,000 to date through various grants and funds, including £5,000 from the Enchanted Forest Community Trust fund. All the money has been distributed to people in need in the region. According to the Local Child Poverty Action Report 2022/23, produced by Perth and Kinross Council and NHS Tayside, 5,914 children (21.9%) in Perth and Kinross are living in relative poverty.

The Upper Tay Anti-Poverty working group includes representatives from local churches, schools, the community warden, and other support groups such as Christians Against Poverty and Breathe Youth Project. The group meets regularly to determine what the needs are and where the funding should go. They raise funds for particular needs, such as laptops for Ukrainians who have moved to Highland Perthshire and recently, they held a bring-and-buy sale for flood victims living in Ballinluig, raising over £2,300.

Children at Breadalbane Academy are just one of the groups and individuals who have been able to benefit from the financial support offered by the Upper Tay Anti-Poverty Support Group, which has allowed the school to provide breakfast for pupils who aren’t able to get it at home, called ‘soft start’; supplied food vouchers direct to families most in need and provided a bank of spare PE kit for the school so those who can’t afford it don’t have to suffer the stigma. Children have also been supported on an individual basis according to need, such as those who need bed clothing.

During the summer holidays, the Upper Tay Anti-Poverty support group has funded places for children to attend outdoor courses at Beyond Adventure and Wee Adventures, for those families who otherwise wouldn’t be able to afford it.

Anna Glover, Principal Teacher of Support at Breadalbane Academy, said: “The funds provided by the Upper Tay Anti-Poverty Support Group has helped us to support pupils at the start of the school day, ensuring they receive a good breakfast to set them up ready for learning. They have basically helped us to enable pupils to attend school, by providing essential items such as school uniform that some families cannot afford. For instance, pupils can help themselves to clothes for PE out of a PE locker we have at school. There are no questions asked and pupils do not have to suffer the stigma of not having the appropriate school uniform. We are very grateful for their support.”

Ross Dempster, Managing Director of Beyond Adventure, said: “The Upper Tay Anti-Poverty Group is an essential service in our local community that strives to ensure that every child gets equal opportunity, no matter what their situation is. For the last two years they have secured funding to allow Beyond Adventure to run activity days for local kids that would otherwise not get the chance to explore the outdoors with us. Organising everything from lunches to making sure the children have the correct clothing for the outdoors, they are truly an organisation that cares. The kids that come out on activity with us are fantastic, they are always fun filled days that will be the highlight of the school holidays for many of them!”

Nela Popovic, Executive Director of The Enchanted Forest Community Trust, the charitable organisation behind Scotland’s favourite sound and light show, The Enchanted Forest, and one of the sources of funding for the Upper Tay Anti-Poverty Support Group, said: “We’re delighted to have been able to support the Upper Tay Anti-Poverty Support Group with finance which has really been making a difference to those most in need in the Highland Perthshire area. Our desire is that the Enchanted Forest Community Fund is a force for good, creating a lasting positive impact and legacy within the community in which the event has called its home for the last twenty-plus years.”

The Enchanted Forest Community Trust has now launched its 2024 Community Fund and is accepting applications from registered charities and community interest companies (CICs) in the Highland Perthshire area. To download an application form, please visit: www.enchantedforest.org.uk. Completed application forms should be returned no later than 31 March 2024.

 

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