Michael Cox reviews this year’s presentation of the hit cultural event.
The Enchanted Forest is one of the most ambitious cultural events in Scotland. An immersive installation in Faskally Wood—just outside of Pitlochry—the event has always been a themed experience that uses light and sound to create unique experiences.
In general, the event is similar every year. The location is the same, and crowd control has flowed in a similar manner of late. But it is in the details that every year differs. And it is in the details that this year’s event—Luminara—is one of the strongest showings the event has had in some time.
What makes this year better? It’s in the finesse. The Enchanted Forest was always a spectacle that embraced high-tech innovation with a communal connection with the woods. While many previous events felt like a knitted tapestry of moments, this one feels like a continuous linked experience. The music feels like it propels the action from the start, and many of the different events feel connected in theme and aesthetic.
The Enchanted Forest has always been about discovery: what’s around the corner, what happens when this or that gets touched, is it worth paying for marshmallows to toast in the open fires (the answer to this is always “Yes”). Luminara isn’t as intent on making a series of showstoppers but instead is about ambiance, and it’s all the better for it. It’s always in the details—not the big pulses of light but the simmering changes that many passing quickly won’t notice.
The plucky volunteers at the event are also a major part of the show. On the press preview (on October 1st), they were as helpful as usual and always had an enthusiastic smile. When asked, they also had strong opinions as to which was the strongest part and how best to engage with it. Any visit that does not incorporate at least one conversation with a volunteer is a visit that is lacking.
In this day and age, where mass entertainment is becoming more insular, how wonderful it is to have a communal experience out in the beautiful forests of Scotland. It might have to contend with the unpredictable weather, and making it up to Pitlochry might prove difficult for some, but the trek to The Enchanted Forest—particularly this year—is time well spent. Easily one of the best events of the year. Long may it continue!
The Enchanted Forest’s presentation of Luminara is at Faskally Wood, but shuttles leave from Pitlochry. The event is on daily until November 2, 2025. For further information and ticket details, go to the website.
Photos by Infinite Blue Designs.
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