Enchanted ForestOrganisers of the Enchanted Forest in Faskally Woods say they’re “delighted” the show has been able to run this year for its 20th anniversary.
The music and light show event hasn’t been able to go ahead since 2019 because of the pandemic.
Debbie Hutchison, a member of the Enchanted Forest board told STV News: “It’s sometimes the easy option to cancel, but we felt it was important for the brand to come back this year, bigger and better – people needed it and the events industry needed it.
“For us it’s been difficult, the event’s workforce has been quite depleted through Covid and that threw some challenges, as did the cost of living. But we’ve really managed that well, we’re delighted to be here.”
This year the theme of the forest is being together, which Debbie says felt appropriate given the turbulent two years of the pandemic.
“It’s very symbolic after the pandemic and those dark and lonely days, the idea that we can celebrate together, families can come together, they are a core part of our audience,” she added.
“Together is what we’re all about, together we create magic.”
Local businesses can also expect a boost as families from across Scotland head to the woods.
A survey by Tourism Recourses Company in 2018 estimated the Enchanted Forest brings in more than £7m to the local economy.
Perth and Kinross provost Xander McDade says the event has been “badly missed” over the last two years.
“This year occupancy is up considerably because we’ve got the forest back,” he said.
“It really does bring huge amounts of people to the town, we’re hoping for maybe 85,000 this year.
“That’s an incredible number over the course of a month and it really does bring so much to the area.”
The Enchanted Forest will run at Faskally Woods until October 30.
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