The Enchanted Forest announces 70,000 tickets to go on sale

2017 event is named Oir an Uisge, Scots Gaelic for “Edge of the Water”

Charity night boost for Tayside Mountain Rescue, Alzheimer Scotland and Giraffe

The Enchanted Forest, Perthshire’s multi-award-winning sound and light show, has announced it has released 70,000 tickets for this year’s event, with tickets going on sale to the general public on Friday, June 16.

The 2017 show, entitled Oir an Uisge, Scots Gaelic for “Edge of the Water”, is reflective of the changing scenery of Faskally Wood in Pitlochry where the event is held annually. It will open to the public on Thursday, September 28.

Proceeds from the first night will benefit three charities – Tayside Mountain Rescue, Alzheimer Scotland and Giraffe.

Just over 70,000 visitors attended last year’s show which was a 13% increase on the previous record-breaking year. Tickets have been made available already by private pre-sale to previous customers and demand has been brisk with over 20,000 tickets snapped up. Saturday nights are all but sold out and customers are advised to book early this year to avoid disappointment with organisers predicting that the event will sell out before opening night for the first time in its history.

The Enchanted Forest employs Scotland’s premier creative talents to produce a state-of-the art show set against the stunning natural backdrop of Faskally Wood near Pitlochry every October.

Organised by The Enchanted Forest Community Trust, the event is renowned for its use of dazzling visuals, innovative design and an original music score.

Now in its 16th year, The Enchanted Forest has won numerous awards, most recently being crowned winner of the coveted Best Cultural Event at the UK Events Awards in London last winter. The event also holds the current title of Best Large Event and the Chairman’s Award, and is three times winner of Best Cultural Event at the Scottish Event Awards.

Ian Sim, Chairman of The Enchanted Forest Community Trust, said:

“Every year The Enchanted Forest lights up the countryside of Perthshire and boosts our local tourist trade. But it also lights up the lives of the Scottish community through our charity donations, and as a charitable trust that is what we are here to do. We’re delighted to be able to direct proceeds towards three highly important organisations in Tayside and Scotland. As the show goes from strength to strength, so our charitable net widens, which is extremely heartening.”

The three chosen charities have expressed their delight at being picked as this year’s Enchanted Forest beneficiaries.

Giraffe was established 11 years ago and operates on behalf of people across Perth & Kinross and more widely in Tayside. Its work supports people with severe and complex barriers, such as learning disabilities, autism and mental ill health, to make the transition into meaningful work.

Gareth Ruddock, Giraffe’s Chief Executive Officer, said:

“We are ecstatic to have been chosen as a charity partner for The Enchanted Forest. Primarily, the funding will be used towards supporting our fantastic client group but additionally, being associated with and working with such an excellent organisation as The Enchanted Forest, will inevitably raise the profile of our organisation and the work we do, as well as helping in raising awareness of the benefits of employing our clients.”

Stuart Johnson, Tayside Mountain Rescue Team Leader, continued:

“The majority of funds raised for our charity are donated by the good will and generosity of people who live in our operational area. We are humbled and appreciative of all donations which go to designated expenditure and operating costs. We are delighted to be chosen as one of The Enchanted Forest charities and thank everyone for the financial support given towards the life-saving work TMRT deliver. Our voluntary team members are the fourth busiest of 28 mountain rescue teams in Scotland.”

Fiona Lewis, Corporate Fundraiser at Alzheimer Scotland, added:

“Alzheimer Scotland is very excited to be supported by the award-winning Enchanted Forest. We are sure guests will enjoy being dazzled by the woodland wonderland whilst raising funds for our vital support services.”

The 2017 show is led by the multi-award-winning creative team of Zoe Squair as producer, Kate Bonney and Simon Hayes as lighting designers, and RJ McConnell and Jon Beales providing sound design and composition.

Tricia Fox, marketing manager of The Enchanted Forest, commented:

“Demand for tickets grows year on year and I cannot emphasise strongly enough that people should buy tickets in advance to ensure they secure a chance to visit this year.”

The Enchanted Forest takes place from Thursday, September 28 to Sunday, October 29 at Faskally Wood near Pitlochry. Tickets will be on sale to the public from Friday, June 16 at 10am at www.enchantedforest.org.uk