Perth based marketing firm, Volpa has secured the title of Best Marketing Strategy for the second time at the Scottish Event Awards held in Glasgow last night.

Shortlisted for the title for their work with the multi-award winning sound and light show The Enchanted Forest, Volpa has dominated in this category over the last 6 years, clocking up 2 wins and 3 commendations for their marketing efforts. It is the only marketing agency in Scotland to have won the title more than once since the awards scheme launched in 2008.

Commenting on the win, Tricia Fox, founder of Volpa said:

“I’m really delighted. We thoroughly enjoy working with The Enchanted Forest and have worked with Highland Perthshire Community Interest Company to help this event grow from just 17,000 visitors to an expected 45,000 visitors this year, driving an increase in numbers every year since we took on the contract. As a team we are very proud of the work we have done, and to win this award for the second time, as well as clocking up 3 commendations in between, is testimony to the hard work of the team and their commitment to the event.”

Founding Volpa in 2002, Fox’s career in events spans almost two decades, and she is best known for her work handling the marketing and public relations for some of Scotland’s biggest and most popular events including the Marie Curie Cancer Care Etape Caledonia and Cycletta.

Volpa has expanded their team in recent months and boasts an enviable client rosta that includes some of Scotland’s leading tourism businesses such as Scotland’s Secret Bunker, St Andrews Aquarium, Blair Castle and The Famous Grouse Experience.

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For further information contact Tricia Fox on 01738 658187 or mobile 07989 955039

The Enchanted Forest, a Perthshire Big Tree Country event and Scotland’s premier sound and light show, 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 thirteenth event in the series is on course to smash all previous box office records, with organisers predicting that 45,000 visitors will flock to the Highland Perthshire town of Pitlochry this year to see the event.

The 2014 show elemental has been designed by a creative team led by Derek Allan including Scottish lighting designers Kate Bonney and Simon Hayes, and specially composed and recorded music, and sound effects by RJ McConnell and 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 Homecoming Scotland.

Derek Allan, producer of The Enchanted Forest 2014, 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 this year.

“Thanks to funding from EventScotland we have been able to develop the show to include live performers whose acrobatics, we anticipate, will both wow and delight the crowds. This has been an especially fun show to work on as we combine lighting effects, with musical composition with the movement of live performance. I can’t wait to see the audience reaction.”

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 40,000 visitors to Highland Perthshire. It is an essential boost to the local economy, as well as an ambassador for the natural beauty of Scotland right across the globe. It’s an absolute must-see event for both Scots and visitors to Scotland.”

Paul Bush OBE, Chief Operating Officer for EventScotland said:

“We are delighted to support The Enchanted Forest once again during the Year of Homecoming 2014. The Enchanted Forest is a stunning celebration of Scotland’s artistic and natural assets and by adding this element of live performance to one of the country’s most loved Autumn events will undoubtedly show that Scotland is the perfect stage for events.”

The event runs from Friday 3rd October – Sunday 26th October. Although a special performance is also being promoted for Thursday 2nd October, with all proceeds from that night’s sales being split equally between two charities: CHAS and Scottish Autism.

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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For further information contact Tricia Fox on 01738 658187 or mobile 07989 955039

IMAGES: Free to use imagery of this year’s show will be available in Hi Res on Thursday 2nd October in the afternoon – to request call 01738 658187 or email t.fox@volpa.co.uk

VIDEO: Free to use video of this year’s show will be available as a YouTube link on Friday 3rd October mid morning – to request call 01738 658187 or email t.fox@volpa.co.uk

NOTES TO EDITORS

EventScotland

EventScotland is working to make Scotland the perfect stage for events. By developing an exciting portfolio of sporting and cultural events EventScotland is helping to raise Scotland’s international profile and boost the economy by attracting more visitors.

For further information about EventScotland, its funding programmes and latest event news visit www.EventScotland.org. Follow EventScotland on Twitter @EventScotNews. EventScotland is part of VisitScotland, the national tourism organisation which markets Scotland as a tourism destination across the world, gives support to the tourism industry and brings sustainable tourism growth to Scotland.

Homecoming

•Scotland will welcome the world in the Year of Homecoming 2014- providing a year-long programme of events alongside the Ryder Cup and Commonwealth Games
•The Year of Homecoming Scotland will run from 31 December 2013 to 31 December 2014 throughout the length and breadth of the country.
•Visitors from around the world are invited to join in a celebration of the nation’s food and drink, active pursuits, cultural heritage, nature and ancestral heritage.
•Homecoming Scotland 2014 is a Scottish Government initiative being led by EventScotland and VisitScotland, supported by numerous partners.
•To find out more visit www.homecomingscotland.com

The Enchanted Forest, Scotland’s premier sound and light show, has today announced that, thanks to the generosity of a grant secured from EventScotland, tree top performances by aerial artists will play a key feature in this year’s show, elemental, which opens on Friday 3rd October.

The funding, which has been granted under EventScotland’s Beacon Events Programme, is there to support uniquely Scottish events, which generate tourism benefits, contribute significantly to the Scotland the Perfect Stage impact areas and act as examples of best practice.

The funding will be specifically used by event organisers to extend the appeal of The Enchanted Forest, a traditional son et lumiere show, by introducing aerial performance artists who will use the forest as their natural backdrop, and the trees as their stage.

Derek Allan, Producer of The Enchanted Forest said:

“We’re delighted to receive funding from EventScotland to bring this unique, and very exciting addition to the show – pushing the boundaries of this very popular event even further than in previous years. Having such a mesmerising live performance element, combined with stunning lighting effects, is something which feels like the next natural step to take and the creative team are working hard to ensure our audience continue to be wowed.”

Paul Bush OBE, Chief Operating Officer for EventScotland said:

“We are delighted to support The Enchanted Forest once again during the Year of Homecoming 2014. The Enchanted Forest is a stunning celebration of Scotland’s artistic and natural assets and by adding this element of live performance to one of the country’s most loved Autumn events will undoubtedly show that Scotland is the perfect stage for events.”

The Enchanted Forest is organised by Highland Perthshire Community Interest Company under the Perthshire Big Tree Country brand. Founded in 2002 with just 3000 visitors attending in its first year, the event now attracts more than ten times that number of visitors with over 40,000 visiting the show last year. The 2014 show, elemental, has been designed by Scottish lighting designers Kate Bonney and Simon Hayes and with music by RJ McConnell and Jon Beales.

Next month the event will also compete for the titles of Scotland’s Best Cultural Event and Best Large Event at the Scottish Event Awards, firmly cementing the show’s position as one of Scotland’s top events.

For further information about The Enchanted Forest and to purchase tickets, visit The Enchanted Forest website at www.enchantedforest.org.uk

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For further information contact Tricia Fox on 01738 658187 or mobile 07989 955039

The Enchanted Forest, Scotland’s premier sound and light show, has been shortlisted for three titles in this year’s prestigious Scottish Event Awards, which will see it battling out again for its place at the top against some of Scotland’s most popular events.

This year the event will compete for the titles of Scotland’s Best Cultural Event, which it has won twice, and Best Large Event, while its agency, Volpa, has been shortlisted for Best Marketing Strategy, a title which it too has previously won and received several commendations.

The Enchanted Forest is organised by Highland Perthshire Community Interest Company under the Perthshire Big Tree Country brand. Founded in 2002 with just 3000 visitors attending in its first year, the event now attracts more than ten times that number of visitors with over 40,000 visiting the 2013 show, Absorb.

The Perthshire event has become a mainstay of Scotland’s tourism calendar and tickets for this year’s show are already selling 35% faster than in 2013, leading organisers predict yet another record breaking year.

Derek Allan, producer of The Enchanted Forest said:

“This is excellent news and we’re delighted that the event has been shortlisted in all three categories. Highland Perthshire Community Interest Company has always pushed the boundaries with this event, delivery several record breaking years, and entertaining tens of thousands of visitors. It’s very rewarding to see that the hard work and commitment of a small rural community can comfortably compete on quality, scale of event and creativity with other major events across the country.”

“Every year we set out to make the event better than the previous year and this is the magical ingredient to the event’s continued success. Being shortlisted for such prestigious awards is testimony to the talent we have in the team, from the stewards to the designers, from the lighting engineers to the box office staff.”

The winners will be announced at a glittering awards ceremony due to take place in Glasgow on Thursday 8th October, just 5 days after this year’s show has opened to the public.

For further information about The Enchanted Forest and to purchase tickets, visit The Enchanted Forest website at www.enchantedforest.org.uk

The Enchanted Forest has announced that the winner of their photographic competition is Thomasz Maliszewki from Catrine in Ayrshire, beating over 300 entries to the inaugural competition to come out on top.

Visitors to The Enchanted Forest’s record breaking show ‘absorb’ were all given the chance to submit their own digital artwork to an esteemed panel of judges for the event’s first ever photographic competition, including Anna Henly, Award Winner, of BBC Wildlife Photographer of the Year.

Tomasz’s digital photographic art will now be printed and framed before being hung as a special guest exhibit in Perth Museum and Art Gallery’ Big Roots Exhibition, which features images of big trees from the local area.

He will also receive vouchers for photography kit and an invitation to the opening night of next year’s Enchanted Forest where he can put his award winning photographic skills to the test for a second time.

Derek Allan commented:

“Every year our visitors send in literally hundreds of photos so we thought it would be fantastic if we could reward them for their photographic efforts. With Anna Henly, an award winner at the BBC Wildlife Photographer of the Year Competition, on board as a judge we can honestly say that the calibre of images shortlisted to the final ten was so high that it was a very difficult decision picking a winner. All our finalists can be rightly proud of their talents and success at getting shortlisted.

“Tomasz’s photo captured the essence of The Enchanted Forest, its scale and also the detail of the trees and the judges were unanimous in their vote to announce his image as the overall winner.”

Elizabeth Harber from Edinburgh took second place in the competition and will also receive vouchers for photography kit and an invitation to the opening night of next year’s Enchanted Forest.

Perth & Kinross Council’s Lifelong Learning Convener, Councillor Bob Band, said:

“We’re delighted to have the winner’s photograph joining the Big Tree Roots Exhibition and we hope to have it up on the walls for all to see as soon as possible. Notably it will be the only colour photograph to adorn the collection, which highlights the work of photographer Magnus Jackson taken at the end of the 19th century. The exhibition is open until 30th December.”

For further information about the Enchanted Forest visit the Enchanted Forest website at www.enchantedforest.org.uk

Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and the Environment, Richard Lochhead, has stated today that The Enchanted Forest, a Perthshire Big Tree Country event and Scotland’s premier sound and light show, is a must see event for visitors to Scotland.

The statement comes as organisers confirmed that over 38,000 tickets have been now sold for this year’s event, setting new box office records, and selling out in record time.

Visiting the event at the weekend with his family he commented:

“The Enchanted Forest is a spectacular and incredibly popular event, which attracts tens of thousands of people to visit Perthshire each year. I hear it has already surpassed all previous box office records and it’s not hard to see why.

“My family and I had a wonderful time at the Enchanted Forest and it fully demonstrates how Scotland’s magnificent landscape can create wonder and awe.”

The Enchanted Forest now attracts visitors from all over the UK and, indeed, the world and the positive impact on the local area is estimated to be in the region of £2 million economic benefit this year.

Richard Lochhead, Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and the Environment added:

“In this, The Year of Natural Scotland, we have the chance to spotlight, celebrate and promote Scotland’s natural strengths and show the world the beauty of our landscapes and forests.

“The success of The Enchanted Forest has a knock-on positive effect on the local economy and I would encourage the local tourism sector to seize the opportunity this provides to showcase to visitors all that this fabulous area has to offer.”

Derek Allan, producer of The Enchanted Forest 2013, commented:

“We are simply delighted that this year’s event has surpassed all targets set for it, and has sold out completely. It’s a testimony to the hard work and efforts put in by the local Highland Perthshire Community Interest Company in managing and delivering the event. We are so happy we can play our part in attracting over 38,000 people to the area at this time of year, and in putting Scotland’s magnificent forests firmly on the international map as a must see event.”

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.

The event runs until Sunday 27th October. For further information about the Enchanted Forest visit the Enchanted Forest website at www.enchantedforest.org.uk