An autumnal evening event set deep in the dark woods of an Angus country park is to raise funds for a national tree charity while enthralling visitors with its high-tech adventure show.
Organisers of Dragon Matrix, the augmented reality (AR) light show coming to Monikie Country Park this year, will plough 5% of their profits into Trees for Life.
The charity aims to expand and link the ancient pinewoods of the Caledonian Forest, one of Scotland’s most important forest ecosystems which provides a home for some truly spectacular wildlife.
Vision Mechanics’ artistic director Symon McIntyre said: “We are delighted to be giving back to the woodlands of Scotland which create such stunning backdrops for many of our events and particularly Dragon Matrix.
“On a wider level, all of Vision Mechanics’ activities have a strong ecological message.
“In the case of Dragon Matrix, the story which runs through it is all about protecting endangered species and their habitats, through the work of the Dragon Protection League, so it sits nicely with the charity’s aims.”
Last year saw the first Dragon Quest attract some 5,000 visitors to the Angus park.
The 2016 mystical spectacular will see visitors embark on a quest to track six dragon stones, stolen from the Museum of Dragons, a brand new fantastical installation located in the woods of Monikie from Wednesday October 5 until the end of the month.
The show will incorporate cutting-edge AR technologies alongside more traditional theatrical treats. By downloading the Dragon Matrix app in advance, visitors can chance their luck on the Path of Spiders, see flying fairies, sneaky spiders and terrible trolls.
Steve Micklewright, chief executive officer of Trees for Life said: “Trees for Life is delighted that it will receive donations to restore the Caledonian Forest as a result of Dragon Matrix.
“Scotland would once have been covered in forest and now it is one of the least wooded countries in Europe.
“The donation will help to increase the amount of forest we have in Scotland. Dragon Matrix focuses on the wildlife that depends on the forest and we hope the message that forests are a vital home for many types of creature will help people to care for them both at Monikie Park and throughout the world.”
Tickets are on sale via www.ticketsource.co.uk/angusalive or the Webster Memorial Theatre in Arbroath.
Dragon Matrix is supported by EventScotland and Angus Council.
For the first time, it is also being backed by The Space, which works with artists and arts organisations to create great art and reach new audiences using digital technologies and platforms.
