An image captured by a visitor to The Enchanted Forest has proved a massive hit online, illuminating social media screens across the planet. The superlative snap has shot into the top 100 most viewed photos on photo sharing site Flickr which has almost 1 million uploads every day, clocking up a staggering 30,000 views in just 48 hours.
The magical photograph was taken by Paul Young, an accountant and amateur photographer from Ayr, who has been a regular visitor to the Forest with his fiancée, Jennifer, and has enjoyed capturing the event on his camera over the years.
Paul said:
This photo is likely to become the most viewed Ive ever posted. Coincidentally, a photo I took at The Enchanted forest two years ago also did pretty well with just over 15,000 views. Ive had some great comments and feedback about the photo. It worked so well because of the range of vibrant colours, beautiful surroundings and, luckily for my fiancée and me, a lovely still evening. The placement of the moon really helped finish off the image!
This years Enchanted Forest looks set to smash all previous box office records with over 45,000 visitors expected to enjoy Scotlands premier sound and light show by the end of its current run in Faskally Wood, Pitlochry. Paul isnt the only visitor to capture the magic of the Forest with many other visitors using social media to share their photos of the enthralling show.
Derek Allan, Producer of The Enchanted Forest commented:
Visitors to The Enchanted Forest are greeted with a visual feast of colours and light as well as music that, when combined together, create an extra special experience. It is fantastic to see the incredible photos that visitors are taking and hats-off to Paul – he has captured the spirit of The Enchanted Forest with this atmospheric snap.
Paul continued:
As well as being a keen photographer, Jennifer and I love to travel. She is very patient as she spends a lot of time following me and my tripod around. We get married in Italy next year, and thats one event I am not allowed to take my camera to!
For more information about The Enchanted Forest visit enchantedforest.org.uk. The event runs until Sunday 26th October, 2014. Tickets are selling rapidly, so book now to avoid disappointment.
The Enchanted Forest, Scotlands premier sound and light event, was crowned Best Cultural Event in Scotland at last nights Scottish Event Awards in Glasgow a title it has now claimed three times in the last four years.
Beating off stiff competition on the night from the Edinburgh International Science Festival and the MG Alba Scots Trad Music Awards, the event stormed to the top of the category for a third time, with judges citing its positive impact on the local community as a key factor in its continued success. Later in the evening it also collected a Commendation for Best Large Event and its marketing agency, Volpa, claimed the Award for Best Marketing Strategy.
Record breaking visitor numbers have continued to fuel the success of The Enchanted Forest which is now firmly recognised as a major driver of tourism for Scotland. The events international profile has catapulted the Victorian town of Pitlochry onto an international stage and press coverage around the globe attracts visitors from around the world to the sound and light spectacle which humbly has its roots firmly planted in the nearby forest of Faskally Wood.
Derek Allan, producer of The Enchanted Forest commented:
We cant even begin to say how delighted we are to have won this Award for the third time. The Enchanted Forest goes from strength to strength we continually push the creative boundaries of the event. Its always a challenge to take it to the next level and awards like this are recognition that you really have succeeded.
The 2014 show, elemental, is currently running and ticket sales are already up by around 41% on the previous year, suggesting that organisers are looking at yet another record breaking year
For more information visit enchantedforest.org.uk
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:
“Im 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, Foxs 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 Scotlands leading tourism businesses such as Scotlands 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, Scotlands premier sound and light event, has added to its magical success story by being shortlisted in two categories at this years Regional Final for the North East of Scotlands Scottish Thistle Awards. Taking place in Perth next month, winning here would secure a spot at the national final next year.
This latest shortlisting is yet another accolade for the hugely popular show with nominations for Best Event or Festival and Best Outdoor Experience. So far this year, The Enchanted Forest has also picked up nominations for Best Cultural Event, which it has won twice before, Best Large Event and Best Marketing Strategy at the Scottish Event Awards taking place next week. The Forest will be rooting for wins!
A massive success story for Highland Perthshire, The Enchanted Forest has grown to great heights in its 13 year history with 45,000 visitors expected this year and an estimated £2 million boost to the area in its 3 week run through October.
Derek Allan, Producer of The Enchanted Forest said:
The whole team are delighted to be shortlisted in both these categories at the Scottish Thistle Awards. Every year we aim to break our own records and work incredibly hard to be even bigger and better with each show. The passion and dedication of all the people that work here is the secret to the events magical effect. Recognition like this is testament to the talent we have right through the team, from the box office staff to the lighting designers.
Seen as the Oscars of the Scottish tourism industry, this years Scottish Thistle Awards will recognise excellence in the sector and the outstanding work by tourism businesses up and down the country. Other shortlisted nominees from the Perthshire area include Comrie Croft, Crieff Hydro Hotel, Hilton Dunkeld House and Kinnaird Woodland Lodges.
The ceremony for the North East region takes place on 11th November at Perth Racecourse.
Tickets for The Enchanted Forest are on sale now and the event runs until Sunday 26th October 2014.
For further information and to book tickets visit enchantedforest.org.uk
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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 Scotlands 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 Scotlands 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 cant 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 Scotlands 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. Its 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 Scotlands artistic and natural assets and by adding this element of live performance to one of the countrys 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 nights 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 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 years 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 years 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 Scotlands 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 nations 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 Highland Perthshire town of Pitlochry has announced that an inspirational Winter Light Display will welcome the expected 45,000 visitors expected to visit the town over the next few weeks to see the popular Enchanted Forest event held at Faskally Wood.
Overseen by The Pitlochry Lighting Committee, the team wanted to brighten up the town centre to welcome the thousands of visitors expected to descend on the town for the sound and light show. The lighting display illuminates key sections of the town as well as its main thoroughfares and, it is hoped, create a bit of sparkle in the minds of visitors to the town.
The Winter Light display enhances a growing vibrancy in the Highland Perthshire area for events and activities throughout the Autumn and Winter months.
Derek Allan, producer of this years Enchanted Forest show, commented:
We are really delighted that the town are supporting the event and adding value for visitors to the area by putting up their winter lighting to extend the spectacle and present a sparkling welcome to Pitlochry.
Pitlochry has always been a hub for tourists during the summer months, with multi-award winning floral displays to please the crowds. The Enchanted Forest is expecting 45,000 visitors this year and enhancing the towns appearance during this period demonstrates the importance of projecting Highland Perthshire in the best light possible.
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For further information contact Tricia Fox on 01738 658187 or mobile 07989 955039
About The Enchanted Forest:
Founded: 2002
Location: Forestry Commission Scotlands Faskally Wood near Pitlochry.
Ownership & Management: Highland Perthshire Community Interest Company, a social enterprise
Managing Director: Graham Brown
Visitors: Over 40,000 visitors attend annually up to 45,000 can attend in 2014
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 & Lighting Main Contractor: Northern Light
About 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 Scotlands 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.
About 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 nations 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, Scotlands 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 years show, elemental, which opens on Friday 3rd October.
The funding, which has been granted under EventScotlands 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:
Were 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 Scotlands artistic and natural assets and by adding this element of live performance to one of the countrys 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 Scotlands Best Cultural Event and Best Large Event at the Scottish Event Awards, firmly cementing the shows position as one of Scotlands top events.
For further information about The Enchanted Forest and to purchase tickets, visit The Enchanted Forest website at enchantedforest.org.uk
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For further information contact Tricia Fox on 01738 658187 or mobile 07989 955039
The Enchanted Forest, Perthshires multi-award winning sound and light show, has announced that it has released an additional 1500 tickets for Thursday 2nd October when it will hold a dedicated charity event, the proceeds from which will be split equally between two Scottish charities: Childrens Hospice Association Scotland (CHAS) and Autism Scotland.
Over 45,000 tickets went on sale for The Enchanted Forests 13th event, elemental, in June and organisers are already predicting a sell-out show this year with demand for tickets already up by 37%. The release of additional tickets will be welcomed by fans of the show and by supporters of the charities alike.
Graham Brown, chairman of the Highland Perthshire Community Interest Company that runs The Enchanted Forest, commented:
The Community Interest Company is, for the first time, in a strong position to give back to the local community and we have selected two charities that are very active in this area. It is marvellous to be able to assist Scottish Autism and CHAS with a charity night on the 2nd October and we wish them well and hope that they will benefit greatly from this unique fundraising opportunity.
Derek Allan, producer of The Enchanted Forest added:
This is an exciting development for the show. As a community based event, we are very committed to giving something back and the two charities chosen both do exceptionally important work to support families and children across Scotland.
Every year we get very positive feedback from customers whose children are affected by autism, and the profound impact the show has on them. For other families who are facing challenges, such as those supported by CHAS, the show offers an opportunity to enjoy time together and a break from their normal routine. We are proud to be giving both Scottish Autism and CHAS a helping hand.
Karen Wilson, fundraising manager for Scottish Autism commented:
We are delighted to be selected as one of the charities to benefit from this event. This is a fantastic opportunity to raise the profile of our services which support people with autism and their families throughout Scotland. We are also looking forward to bringing along some of our service users to enjoy the experience on the night.
Alison Rennie, CHAS Fundraiser commented:
Were very excited to have been chosen as one of the charities to benefit from The Enchanted Forests first ever charity evening. It promises to be a magical event and all the funds received by CHAS will help us to continue to provide vital support to babies, children and young people with life-shortening conditions.
The 2014 show, elemental, sees the return of the creative team that put together last years successful show, with lighting design by Kate Bonney and Simon Hayes, sound design and composition by RJ McConnell, and orchestral compositions by Jon Beales.
The Enchanted Forest takes place from Friday 3rd Sunday 26th October 2014 at Faskally Wood near Pitlochry.
Tickets for the Charity Night on Thursday 2nd October are available by visiting enchantedforest.org.uk/charity
The Enchanted Forest, Scotlands premier sound and light show, has been shortlisted for three titles in this years prestigious Scottish Event Awards, which will see it battling out again for its place at the top against some of Scotlands most popular events.
This year the event will compete for the titles of Scotlands 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 Scotlands tourism calendar and tickets for this years 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 were 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. Its 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 events 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 years show has opened to the public.
For further information about The Enchanted Forest and to purchase tickets, visit The Enchanted Forest website at enchantedforest.org.uk
Over 45,000 tickets have gone on sale this week for the multi-award winning sound and light show The Enchanted Forest which returns this Autumn with its 13th event: elemental.
Tickets went on sale at the weekend and, already, organisers are predicting a sell-out show with demand already up 24.5% on the same weekend last year.
Responding to burgeoning demand for the event that attracted a record breaking 40,000 visitors last year, organisers have this year extended the events capacity. In particular they have added a popular twilight show option which was trialled in 2013 in response to the unprecedented level of demand for tickets.
Derek Allan, producer of The Enchanted Forest commented:
The twilight show is an excellent way to see the forest in a completely different light, arriving just before nightfall, and wandering around as the darkness sets in. Traditionally it has only been seen by the team working on site, but last year we opened up Twilight departure times to the general public and they were immensely popular.
The annual Perthshire Big Tree Country event was named Best Cultural Event at the Scottish Event Awards in 2013, adding to a raft of awards won over the last few years.
The 2014 show, elemental, sees the return of the creative team that put together the successful 2013 show, with lighting design by Kate Bonney and Simon Hayes, sound design and composition by RJ McConnell, and orchestral compositions by Jon Beales.
Derek Allan, producer of The Enchanted Forest commented:
Last years very successful creative team are back and very much brimming with ideas and plans to make this years event better than ever. The Enchanted Forest is always a challenge to reinvent the canvas, using the natural environment as our ever changing backdrop, but we have been working on some very exciting concepts for this years show which we are certain will deliver the wow factor that our customers expect from us. The theme is very much based on the power of nature, and we hope to bring the natural environment to life, showcasing the elements and giving visitors an unforgettable back to nature experience with a twist.
The Enchanted Forest will take place from Friday 3rd Sunday 26th October 2014 at Faskally Wood near Pitlochry.
Tickets are now on sale to the general public. For further information please visit 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 Forests record breaking show absorb were all given the chance to submit their own digital artwork to an esteemed panel of judges for the events first ever photographic competition, including Anna Henly, Award Winner, of BBC Wildlife Photographer of the Year.
Tomaszs 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 years 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.
Tomaszs 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 years Enchanted Forest.
Perth & Kinross Councils Lifelong Learning Convener, Councillor Bob Band, said:
Were delighted to have the winners 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 enchantedforest.org.uk
The Enchanted Forest, Scotlands premier sound and light event, is set of go head to head with some of the countrys best known cultural events this Friday evening, for the title of Best Cultural Event at this years Scottish Thistle Awards in Stirling.
Already laying claim to the title of Best Cultural Event at the Scottish Event Awards held in Glasgow in September the event, which is run by the Highland Perthshire Community Interest Company, is hoping for a repeat performance this Friday as they face off Glasgow Film Festival, Bloody Scotland Festival and Tiree Music Festival who have all been shortlisted as national finalists in the category.
Record breaking visitor numbers of just over 40,000 visitors attended the event in 2013 and its positive economic impact is cemented as the major driver of tourism to the area in Autumn.
Derek Allan, producer of The Enchanted Forest commented:
We are truly delighted to be representing Perthshire at the national Scottish Thistle Awards. The Enchanted Forest continues to grow and develop as an event and this year demonstrated a 30% increase in visitor numbers, over 90% of whom cite the event as their main reason for visiting the area.
Its a major contributor to the local tourism economy, which is a commendable position for any event that is run by a very small number of volunteers. To be shortlisted for such a prestigious award is, in itself, recognition of their hard work and dedication to making The Enchanted Forest a success.
For more information visit enchantedforest.org.uk