Enchanted Forest: I really feel for organisers having to cancel because of lack of clarity over lockdown rules – Hayley Matthews

Three weeks before I was due baby no 2, I remember thinking it would be a great idea to take us all up to the Enchanted Forest near Pitlochry to see the beautiful light show.
The Enchanted Forest is one of Scotland's most popular light shows (Picture: VisitScotland/Kenny Lam)The Enchanted Forest is one of Scotland's most popular light shows (Picture: VisitScotland/Kenny Lam)
The Enchanted Forest is one of Scotland's most popular light shows (Picture: VisitScotland/Kenny Lam)

Despite waddling and crying in pain at the end (I'd over done it) it has to be one of the most beautiful things I've ever seen.

So I can understand why the Enchanted Forest team have heavy hearts after reaching the decision to cancel this year’s event.

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I really, really feel for them because it's such a big event and they seem to have been hanging on for the go-ahead from the government so they can arrange this year's 20th anniversary show.

They issued a statement announcing the cancellation which I found heartbreaking, as well as frustrating considering its all outdoors.

The statement reads: “Like a great many events we had sincerely hoped that we’d be able to operate this year. We have planned with that in our hearts, while waiting patiently on the necessary guidance and clarity from government that would enable us to proceed safely.

"That clarity and guidance has, sadly, not been forthcoming in sufficient time for us and, regrettably, the financial risk of proceeding with our plans and potentially having to cancel at a later date without insurance to underpin potential losses is too considerable for a small charitable event operator to bear."

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On the plus side, they are planning for next year with their provisional dates being September 29 to October 30, 2022.

I know it's a year away, but hey, it's something to look forward to.

If you bought tickets for the 2021 event, they'll be automatically be rolled over into 2022 so get it in the diary!

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