VISITSCOTLAND chair, Mike Cantlay, has stated today that The Enchanted Forest, a Perthshire Big Tree Country event and one of Scotland’s premier sound and light shows, is a must-see event for visitors to Scotland this autumn, embodying the essence of the country’s national tourism message: Surprise Yourself. Visit Scotland.
Visiting the event on its opening night with his family, Mike Cantlay saw the multi-coloured event unfold in all its glory.
He commented: “The Enchanted Forest is a spectacular and incredibly popular event, which attracts tens of thousands of people to visit Perthshire each year, and I am confident it will be a box office ticket smash again this year.
“My family and I had a wonderful time at the Enchanted Forest and it proves you don’t have to travel very far to experience Scotland’s vibrant culture, which is so evident in every corner of this country.”
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 well in excess of £1.5 million economic benefit every year.
With box office numbers soaring, the impact on the local economy is expected to increase and closer working relationships with key businesses this year are set to enhance the offering for visitors to the area this Autumn.
A number of local tourism businesses are working collaboratively to promote the event, with local accommodation providers offering deals that include tickets to the event, and other visitor attractions offering discount entry for Enchanted Forest ticket holders.
Blair Castle on Atholl Estates is one of the businesses that is promoting discounted entry during the show.
Mike Dukes, head of visitor services at Atholl Estates, explained why: “The Enchanted Forest is a firm favourite amongst families and creates a real buzz across the region as people flock from across the country to come and see the spectacular light displays.
“The fact that the exhibitions are refreshed each year also means that we see a flurry of new visitors through our doors when the event is on.
“It also provides a very welcome boost to businesses across the surrounding area and we’re delighted to extend a warm Highland Perthshire welcome to The Enchanted Forest’s customers.”
Mike Cantlay, chair of VisitScotland, added: “The success of The Enchanted Forest has a knock-on positive effect on the local economy and I would encourage businesses, accommodation providers and the tourism sector to seize the opportunity this provides to showcase to visitors all that this fabulous area has to offer.
“In this, the Year of Creative Scotland, we have the chance to spotlight, celebrate and promote Scotland’s cultural and creative strengths, so let’s embrace this and show what a warm welcome Scotland can offer each and every visitor.”
Organisers are encouraging members of the public to buy their tickets in advance to avoid disappointment with recent box office reports suggesting the event is on target to power past all previous box office records.
Following a successful opening weekend demand for tickets has surged indicating that the 2012 event is set to sell out.
Derek Allan, creative director of The Enchanted Forest 2012, commented: “Last year, many people travelled significant distances to attend the event, all we’re asking is that they plan ahead and book their tickets in advance.
“Tickets sell so quickly and many shows are already sold out with hardly any tickets left for the most popular Saturday nights – a little bit of advance planning can avoid disappointment on the night.”
The 2012 show ‘FLOW’ has been designed by a creative team led by Derek Allan which includes Scottish designers Simon Wilkinson (lighting) and RJ McConnell (sound), as well as Dundee-based visual artists, Dalziel + Scullion, whose work is supported thanks to the generosity of a grant from Creative Scotland in celebration of Year of Creative Scotland 2012.
The event runs from Friday 5th October – Saturday 27th October.
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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