Enchanted Forest will inject more than £3 million into economy

a recorm 72,000 tickets releasem for the annual ‘must-see’ extrava anza

The Enchanted Forest is expected to inject more than £3 million into the Perthshire economy during its monthlong run.

For the first time the annual sound and light show, which begins today, has almost sold out before it opens.

The name of this year’s show, Oir an Uisge, is Gaelic for Edge of the Water and those behind the show have taken the theme literally to invent an extravaganza inspired by its natural setting of Faskally Wood and Loch Dunmore.

The visuals include a multitude of water effects, state of the art lighting technologies and new artist installations.

Oir an Uisge also features a music score that combines contemporary with traditional. There are elements of Scottish folk music and instruments such as whistles, recorders and crumhorn, as well as orchestral sounds of strings, percussion and harp.

Ian Sim, chairman of The Enchanted Forest Community Trust, which operates the event, said: “It’s phenomenal to see how much The Enchanted Forest event has grown in its 16 years.

“It began as a three-night event with 1,500 visitors. Today it’s one of Scotland’s, and the UK’s, must-see autumn happenings.

“Thanks must go to the brilliant creative team and producers of the show, as well as our very talented operations team, all of whom make Faskally Wood come alive every October to be transformed into an enchanted forest.”

A record 72,000 tickets were released and proceeds from the official opening night will benefit the show’s three chosen charities this year – Tayside Mountain Rescue, Alzheimer Scotland and Giraffe.

The opening night comes as the attraction was named the best place to see autumn illuminations in the UK by a website dedicated to days out.

Lisa O’Keeffe, brand manager at dayoutwiththekids.co.uk, said: “This event combines nature and technology in a really magical way, transforming the forest into something truly extraordinary.

“When it came to crowning the best place to see illuminations for our campaign, the incredible sensory experience, attention to detail and creativity made the Enchanted Forest an easy winner, and one of our top recommended activities for autumn.”

The Enchanted Forest runs until October 29.

The Enchanted Forest is a hugely popular attraction with people far and wide.