Homecoming funding will make the Enchanted Forest even more spectacular when the award-winning show returns next month.
More than 40,000 visitors made the visit to Highland Perthshire last year and organisers hope to use their bonus to extend the appeal of the traditional son et lumiere (sound and light) show even further.
Aerial artists will take to the treetops of Faskally Wood for a series of carefully choreographed performances thanks to the grant from EventScotland.
Its Beacon Events Programme is working to support uniquely Scottish attractions that generate tourism benefits and make the most of the nation’s natural assets.
The choice of the Enchanted Forest as one of the beneficiaries is an indicator of the growing acclaim that the show garners.
Enchanted Forest producer Derek Allan said he was delighted to receive the funding as it enabled him to bring a “unique and very exciting addition” to the show.
“It will enable us to push the boundaries of this very popular event even further than in previous years,” he said.
“Having such a mesmerising liveperformance element, combined with stunning lighting effects, is something that feels like the next natural step to take.
“The creative team are working hard to ensure our audience continue to be wowed.”
Founded in 2002, with just 3,000 visitors attending in its first year, the event now attracts more than 10 times that number.
It is now organised by the Highland Perthshire Community Interest Company and the 2014 show has been designed by Scottish lighting designers Kate Bonney and Simon Hayes, with music by RJ McConnell and Jon Beales.
EventScotland’s CEO Paul Bush said: “We are delighted to support the Enchanted Forest once again during the Year of Homecoming 2014. The Enchanted Forest is a stunning celebration of Scotland’s artistic and natural assets and, by adding this element of live performance to one of the country’s most loved autumn events, will undoubtedly show that Scotland is the perfect stage for events.”
The show is to compete for the titles of Scotland’s Best Cultural Event and Best Large Event at the Scottish Event Awards.
For more information about the Enchanted Forest, or to purchase tickets, visit www.enchantedforest.org.uk.