Overview

We went to this show/event expecting something similar to the Enchanted Forest (an event we love and have been to many times). In fact, it was a lot more like an immersive theatre performance than a light display. Yes, there were some pretty lights, although not anything like the scale of Enchanted Forest or the Edinburgh Botanics lights, and we weren't encouraged to dwell and watch them. It was difficult to figure out what this event was from the website. It's in fact a long walk through a forest where actors occassionally jump out at you, pretending to be either Roman soldiers or Scottish Picts. It was amusing, but I can't see how they can stay in business given the large number of actors. The acting quality was what you'd expect from good drama students, or as an aside but as a complete show it was lacking somewhat. The cast also scared young children who were next to us by talking about Picts dismembering and decapitating those who roamed the forest. A theatre performance has failed if the actors have to reassure children by saying that it's just pretend. MY ten year old was fine, but I would advise against taking children younger than this. In terms of accessibility, the organisers have not thought about this in the slightest. We were directed to 'disabled' parking that was further away down a hill than the normal parking, and then asked to walk up a steep and muddy grassy verge. The route is extremely long, with little feedback of how far you've walked or how long you still have to go. Several times we thought we were nearing the end and then found ourselves back in the centre area. My son is a wheelchair user but choose to use his walker instead, having successfully walked round Enchanted Forest. I would estimate the route is at least three or four times the distance. My son did very well but eventually he had to sit on the edge of the frame while we pushed him. We also missed parts of performances because it took us so long to catch up with our group. The route is extremely muddy at points, and very steep at points. We were escorted around the route by a yellow-jacketed member of staff with a torch showing us the muddy puddles and places where the path had a steep and unprotected edge. At one point a second staff member joined us as we walked down a steep hill approximately 30-45%. They were there to catch us if we slipped! At times we were diverted to a different route but ended up walking up muddy verges with tree roots. This certainly couldn't have been managed by an independent wheelchair user and a powerchair would have struggled with the slopes too. As much as I appreciated their assistance, I would rather we could have spent time out together as a family, rather than our family plus Jonathan the security guard. There were seats in the middle area that had a burger van and marshmallow stall, although the seats (haybails and logs) were damp and unappealing. The marshmallows were £2.50 for three mallows, and you weren't able to toast them yourselves! I think there might have been portaloos, but I wasn't aware of disabled toilet facilities, and certainly not Changing Places facilities. The paths were lit every couple of metres by a single low level light, and the cast were not lit, so I think people with visual impairments would struggle to access the event too. Sadly I think this will also be the biggest reason why this event will not be successful, as because it was very difficult to take photos what captured the event to share on social media, unlike other forest light events. All in all, this has been run by well meaning amateurs with no idea no real idea of how to provide even basic accessibility.

Transport & Parking

We followed the address in the booking which took us to the wrong car park for the Falkirk Wheel. Ten minutes later we got to the right area but were directed to the lowest car park (the disabled car park nearest the visitor centre) but we were unsure which way to go. Uphill past two other nearer car parks and then asked to walk over a muddy grass verge rather than following a paved path we saw later, we finally got to the ticket booth.

Access

Long, muddy steep paths. Poor infrequent and damp seating. No disabled toilet facilities. Poor lighting. No BSL that we were aware of (at least no-one responded to my son's signs.

Toilets

None available

Staff

Staff were friendly enough and eager to help.

Anything else you wish to tell us?

Soooo many improvements needed! Least of all a map and a realistic explanation of the distances involved!

Photos