Homecoming Funding Sees Forest First for Tree Top Performers

PITLOCHRY, Scotland - Sept. 16, 2014 - PRLog -- 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 3^rd 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

About The Enchanted Forest:

Founded: 2002

Location: Forestry Commission Scotland’s 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 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 (http://www.twitter.com/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 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