There is literally nothing quite like The Enchanted Forest. Billed as ‘Scotland’s favourite sound and light show’, this marvel never disappoints when it brings its spirit-soaring, life-affirming sound and light magic to Highland Perthshire. And this year’s ‘Symphony of Nature’ looks set to be the most deeply dramatic yet. We’re big fans and you should be too . . .
No wonder a whopping 85,000 gleeful spectators will make their way to Pitlochry (building on the impressive 78,000 in 2023), the famed gateway to the Highlands. They are in good company following in the footsteps of hundreds of thousands before them in savouring an all-senses extravaganza that has been bringing autumn alive since 2002. It’s a multi award winner too. The Enchanted Forest snared Best Cultural Event at the VisitScotland Regional Awards in 2018, Best Outdoor Festival at the Scottish Outdoor & Leisure Awards 2017, Best Cultural Event at the Regional Awards in 2018, Best Outdoor Festival at the Scottish Outdoor & Leisure Awards 2017, and Best Cultural Event at the UK Event Awards 2016.
But what is so special about Faskally Wood? Clearly a lot as it attracts 70,000 visitors a year even outside The Enchanted Forest dates. The name hails from the Gaelic for ‘stance by the ferry’ referencing the crossing across the River Tummel. The mixed woodland of Faskally was purchased by the Forestry Commission way back in 1953 and covers 365 gorgeous hectares of Highland Perthshire, with The Enchanted Forest starring in the approximately 66 hectares its uses. The forest’s trees really are remarkable, with over 25 species recorded. Native species include Scots Pine, Silver and Downy Birch, Ash, Oak, Rowan, Common Alder, Hazel, and Bird Cherry. The oldest known tree is thought to be well over 200-years-old.
The whole aim of The Enchanted Forest is for people – people like you and your friends and loved ones – to enjoy a huge slab of autumn cheer, lifting the post-summer gloom and filling what can be a long gap between summer and Christmas with sheer joy. And fun: lots of it. It also acts as a window to show visitors that there is far more to Pitlochry outside summer, indeed autumn is the best time to go as the local forests burst alive with deep oranges burning reds and smouldering yellows.
There is a serious side too as proceeds from The Enchanted Forest are distributed to local charities every year by The Enchanted Forest Community Trust. For more on who benefits see the Enchanted Forest Community Trust section of their website. Nela Popovic, executive director of The Enchanted Forest Community Trust, explains: “Proceeds from the event raised are pumped into local community initiatives, administered through the Enchanted Forest Community Fund. To date the fund has reinvested £430,000 back into the Highland Perthshire region, benefitting more than 175 local community groups, projects, and charities.”
As usual the event this year graces Faskally Wood, Pitlochry, Highland Perthshire, running in 2024 between 3 October and 3 November. That exciting theme of ‘Symphony of Nature’ is a celebration of the natural world and ‘the harmonies created by the many creatures who call Faskally Wood home’. The immersive symphony comes courtesy of a barrage of lights and original music, which combine brilliantly with the natural beauty of the forest. This magical event aims to bring you closer to nature and show our interconnectedness with it.
Beira, the Goddess of Winter from the 2023 Enchanted Forest show returns as the sage conductor orchestrating the forest’s melody. Beira’s wish upon a dandelion seed sets the stage for a breath-taking display of light, sound, and dancing fountains. Highlights include the multiple installations, and a mind-blowing light show over Loch Dunmore that brings in lasers, projection and myriad lights into a musical mix that is irresistible. And in keeping with the key themes, it’s harmonious too.
Popovic is excited about this year’s event: “We’re delighted with this year’s show theme, ‘Symphony of Nature’, bringing together light and sound in a completely unique way to celebrate the incredible abundance of natural life that exists within Faskally Wood. Our creative team have been working exceptionally hard behind the scenes to bring a show which once again raises the bar and will delight every visitor from young to old. We can’t wait to welcome visitors back to the beautiful Faskally Wood in October for another extraordinary show.”
Popovic is right to be so proud of The Enchanted Forest, but just why is it so special? She explains: “The Enchanted Forest is a trailblazing event that is creative, energetic, and entertaining, it requires a combined pool of extraordinary talent – drawing some of the best creative minds in the UK – to work together to create entrancing visuals, an original music score and stunning visual effects which succeed in raising the artistic bar year on year, to celebrate the outdoors. The event showcases Scotland’s natural landscape at its Autumnal best.”
The event is a win win for visitors and for charity, but also for Pitlochry and wider Highland Perthshire at a time of year when tourism has traditionally dipped. That is something businesses could do without, especially after an iffy summer like the one we’ve just experienced. Popovic says, “The event is an incredible boost to the local tourism economy in and around Pitlochry, delivering an estimated economic impact of £73 million since 2002. It has been a key driver in transforming a traditionally quiet time of the year into a significant period of tourism.”
Eddie Thomson, ex-chair of Enchanted Forest, and owner of Heartland Tours thinks the event engendered broader change too: “The Enchanted Forest was the event that really kicked off autumn tourism. There is a real buzz about Pitlochry in October and that carries on through winter now too. I take groups and individuals around Highland Perthshire all year round now.”
Now you know all about it all that’s left is for you to snare a much coveted tickets. We might see you there as we savour marshmallows and churros and enjoy the epic light and sound that show that is at the heart of Scotland’s most impressive autumnal festival. What are you waiting for?
Tickets
Tickets for 2024’s Enchanted Forest are now on sale. To book, or to find out more information, visit www.enchantedforest.org.uk.
Accommodation
To make the most of your Enchanted Forest experience we thoroughly recommend staying over in the town of Pitlochry. The Fonab Castle Hotel & Spa is a luxurious abode that peers over Loch Faskally. Superb dining options too, including autumnal Perthshire produce like venison.
- This blog comes in association with The Enchanted Forest. All opinions and views expressed are our own.