Organisers have raised the curtain on the biggest-ever Enchanted Forest.
Faskally Wood, near Pitlochry, has been transformed into an autumnal wonderland for the multi-million-pound sound and lights show.
This year’s event, which will run for five weeks, is expected to attract a record-breaking 80,000 visitors to the area.
The Courier was given a sneak peek at the event on Wednesday, ahead of its public unveiling on Thursday.
The highly anticipated show, named Of The Wild, will star the voice of Auchterarder Primary pupil Jessica McIntosh.
The seven-year-old won a contest to have her voice used in a recording to welcome visitors to the forest.
Ian Sim, who chairs the Enchanted Forest Community Trust, which operates the event, said: “The trust was bowled over by the incredible feedback we received from preview night.
“It’s a tribute to our brilliant creative team and producer of the 2018 show, as well as our very talented operations team, all of whom transform Faskally Wood every October.”
He said: “From humble beginnings as a three-night event with just 1,500 visitors in 2002, it’s phenomenal to see how much the Enchanted Forest has grown during its 17 years.
“The love and support we have received is amazing and we are looking forward to welcoming a record 80,000 visitors this year.”
Of The Wild boasts a series of visuals, using state-of-the-art technology and interactive special effects to bring the forest to life.
The creative team, led by producer Zoe Squair, have come up with a show firmly rooted in nature.
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Mr Sim said: “Our reputation as one of Scotland’s and the UK’s must-see autumn events is partly testament to the time we have spent over the years growing a community of dedicated partners, volunteers and followers, believing in what we are doing and listening and responding to feedback so that we can come back better each year.
“Despite growing significantly, we are still a very intimate event and that’s what people seem to love the most. We don’t ever want to lose that.”
The charities set to benefit from this year’s show are the Outdoor Access Trust for Scotland, the Birks Cinema Trust and Blairgowrie Riding for the Disabled.
It is estimated that the event generates about £3 million a year for the local economy, with more than half of all visitors expected to stay overnight.
