Much-loved event returns after two-year pandemic pause
The skies above Hopetoun House will light up again when its fabulous fireworks and bonfire night extravaganza returns this November.
November 5 sees the 11th year of this hugely popular event which was put on hold for two years as a result of the pandemic but is due to attract 5,000 revellers.
Now back in a blaze of glory with a We Will Rock You spectacular, it features fireworks that promise to rock your heart plus fairground attractions, the famous bonfire and lots more family fun.
Enjoy the entertainment of daring fire dancers, savour some delicious dishes from the food trucks, warm up with indulgent hot chocolate and mallows, then just gaze heavenwards and take in the glittering show in the sky set to music.
Designed and produced by Scottish events experts 21CC Group and hosted at beautiful Hopetoun House, South Queensferry on the outskirts of Edinburgh, the event will definitely deliver a night to remember.
Geoff Crow, Director of 21CC Group says: “It’s fantastic to be back and we are thrilled to present this year’s spectacular. It’s always a sell-out and this year is sure to be no different.
“We’re pulling out all the stops to make up for the last couple of years and have put together a truly stunning show.”
The event runs from 4 – 7.30pm on Saturday, November 5 with the firework display at 6.30pm. Tickets must be purchased in advance and children three years and under are admitted free.
The Earl of Hopetoun says: “We’re delighted to see this exciting event return to Hopetoun. It was a tradition for more than a decade and has been much missed over the last couple of years.
“It’s always a stunning display that brings so much fun and this year it sounds like it will be even better than ever.”
For more information and ticket prices please visit:
Spectacular lighting trail’s glowing tribute to cancer support charity’s birthday
Scotland’s spectacular lighting trail Wondrous Woods – now extended to Sunday, November 21 – has honoured its charity partner with a glowing tribute to celebrate the cancer support organisation’s 25th anniversary.
Maggie’s is currently celebrating 25 years and last night (November 4) the spotlight shone on the charity with a special evening of illuminations at the Wondrous Woods event at Hopetoun House.
The magnificent stately home radiated with an amber glow as the charity’s orange logo was projected onto the mansion which was also lit up in the same hue. And along the woodland trail orange lasers punctuated the magical forest journey through the grounds in tribute to Maggie’s 25 years of providing expert support to people with cancer, their friends and family.
Visitors to this year’s Wondrous Woods, which runs until November 14th, are also being invited to help raise vital funds for Maggie’s by opting to donate to the charity, which relies almost entirely on voluntary donations, when they buy tickets for the trail.
Designed and produced by the team at 21CC Group, this year’s celebratory trail includes several sound and special effects installations and has been showcasing a host of new and exciting festival-themed features including Kaleidoscope, Rubik’s Cube, Loo Lane and UV Madness.
Geoff Crow, Director of 21CC Group says: “We’re just delighted to be associated with Maggie’s and wanted to pay tribute, in our own way, to the fantastic job they do – and have been doing for the past quarter of a century.
“Their support centres, empathy and advice are so important for people coping with a cancer diagnosis which is such shattering news for patients, family and friends.
“The fact that Maggie’s services are free is fantastic but that cannot happen without constant support and funding. We hope that by highlighting their amazing work we might prompt some additional contributions.”
Andrew Anderson, Centre Head at Maggie’s Edinburgh said: “Maggie’s Edinburgh was the first centre to open in 1996 so to have a light shone, literally, on our work locally is wonderful.
“It was a fantastic tribute to everyone who has enabled us to do so much over the last 25 years and a beacon of light for the years to come. Thanks to everyone who is supporting us through Wondrous Woods.”
For further information about Wondrous Woods and to purchase tickets, visit www.wondrouswoods.com
Lighting trail adapted for autistic visitors or visitors with sensory issues
Scotland’s most anticipated lighting trail Wondrous Woods is staging a specially tailored event to open up the extravaganza to autistic visitors or visitors with sensory processing challenges.
The company behind the spectacular illuminations, 21CC, has worked with Scottish Autism to devise a Relaxed Evening – supported by The Walter Scott Giving Group – of more subdued effects, reduced noise and more static lighting. The aim is to make the trail, in the grounds of Hopetoun House near Edinburgh, as accessible and inclusive as possible.
Last year the event, which was Scotland’s first large-scale COVID-safe experience for the public, attracted over 35,000 visitors and this year is expected to be even more popular. But the sights, sounds and sensations of the show, which lights up the stately home and a magical woodland journey through its grounds, can prove challenging for autistic people or people with sensory processing sensitivities.
Determined to set the standard of inclusion for major events, 21CC engaged Scottish Autism as consultants to advise on best practice for the event on Monday, November 8. The modified event is the result and will also include staggered arrival time slots, reduced capacity to minimise crowds and lower sound levels.
The team at 21CC have also worked closely with Scottish Autism to produce pre-event information which is available to potential ticket buyers through the Wondrous Woods website, and which will allow customers to ascertain what event would be best suited for their needs – the Relaxed Performance, or the standard performance, ultimately giving them the ability to make the right choice for them in advance.
Geoff Crow, Director of 21CC Group says: “When we came up with the concept for Wondrous Woods we wanted to ensure that as many adults and children as possible could enjoy the experience.
“Within the team we have some first-hand experience with autism so we understand that the multi-sensory nature of the lighting trail may cause sensory overload in autistic people or those with other sensory processing disorders and result in them feeling excluded.
“Working with Scottish Autism to produce something specially crafted for this unique group of visitors has been so satisfying.”
Charlene Tait, Deputy CEO,Scottish Autism said: “As an organisation committed to enabling autistic people to lead happy, healthy and fulfilling lives, we are delighted to work alongside the Wonderous Woods organisers to ensure the attraction is as inclusive as possible for everyone.
“For many autistic people, the sensory aspect of an event like this can prove to be overwhelming, however with some minor adjustments and preparation in place, autistic people can enjoy this attraction with their families.”
Designed and produced by the team at 21CC Group, this year’s trail runs from October 21 to November 14 and showcases a host of new and exciting festival themed-features including Kaleidoscope, Rubik’s Cube, Loo Lane, Pixel Campsite and Flaming Brilliant.
It sets off from Hopetoun House and follows a 2km woodland walk meandering through secret paths, amongst ancient woodlands and clearings and past the atmospheric old summerhouse before returning via the Lime Avenue to the glorious sight of the House beautifully lit up.
En route, along with creative lighting, there will also be several sound and special effects installations, which will have their volumes adjusted and lights lowered and their movements reduced.
Dennis Wyles, Client Investment Manager at Walter Scott Giving Group, says: “We are really pleased to be supporting this Relaxed Evening after last year’s successful event. This evening increases the access for more families to enjoy this trail.”
21CC Group is a Scottish based events group based outside Edinburgh, established in 1999. They produce events around the country for corporate groups, festivals, local authorities, and private clients.
For further information and to purchase tickets, visit:
Wondrous Woods presents Woodyfest: October 21 – November 14, 2021
Scotland’s spectacular sell-out lighting trail Wondrous Woods is set to take flight again with a festival-themed extravaganza led by the event’s magical mascot Woody the Owl.
The trail will once again light up Hopetoun House, the country’s finest stately home, illuminating a mystical woodland journey through the magnificent grounds of a 300-year-old ancestral home outside Edinburgh.
Designed and produced by the team at 21CC Group, this year’s fun, colourful, celebratory festival-themed trail, Woodyfest will be a journey like no other, like no other, showcasing a host of new and exciting festival themed features including Kaleidoscope, Rubik’s Cube, Loo Lane, Welly World and UV Madness.
Setting off from the glorious architectural gem of the House, the enchanting 2km woodland walk meanders through secret paths, amongst ancient woodlands and clearings and past the atmospheric old summerhouse, before returning via the Lime Avenue to the dazzling sight of Hopetoun House beautifully illuminated. En route, along with creative lighting, there will also be several sound and special effects installations.
Last year’s inaugural event attracted over 35,000 visitors and this year’s festival is expected to out-sell that with social distancing measures now permitting visitors to travel from across Scotland.
Geoff Crow, Director of 21CC Group says: “It was amazing to be able to deliver Scotland first large scale COVID safe experience for the public last year and give them something special to look forward to in what were some very difficult times.
“We have put a lot of thought into this year’s trail because we wanted to produce something that is fun and exciting, but also pays tribute to the many events and festivals that have cancelled this year and last year, which is what led us to the theme of Woodyfest. There is going to be some fun surprises this year. Woodyfest will have something for everyone!”
21CC Group has worked extensively with the Hopetoun team for many years, collaborating with them to produce the highly successful Hopetoun Fireworks & Bonfire event, as well as delivering multiple large-scale corporate events both within the House and the grounds.
The Earl of Hopetouncomments: “Last year’s lighting trail was innovative and magical for all of us at Hopetoun and we’re delighted to welcome back the Wondrous Woods event.
“It not only shines a light on our home and the beautiful grounds but is a real boost for the team after a particularly challenging period. It’s been fascinating to see just what such an ambitious project can achieve and I look forward to being able to show such a unique visitor attraction.”
21CC Group is a Scottish based events group based outside Edinburgh, established in 1999. They produce events around the country for corporate groups, festivals, local authorities, and private clients.
Earier this week it was announced that Maggies Centres will be Wondrous Woods’ charity partners.
Scotland’s spectacular lighting trail proud to celebrate cancer support charity’s 25th anniversary
Scotland’s dazzling lighting trail Wondrous Woods is proud to announce its charity partner for 2021 is the inspirational cancer support organisation Maggie’s.
Maggie’s celebrates 25 years of providing expert support to people with cancer and their friends and family and Wondrous Woods is inviting centre visitors at Maggie’s to the lighting extravaganza to help raise vital funds.
The lighting trail, which runs from October 21st to November 14th, will illuminate Hopetoun House, just outside Edinburgh, and light up a magical woodland journey through its beautiful grounds.
This year visitors will help to pay tribute to Maggie’s vital work with the chance to donate to the charity which relies almost entirely on voluntary donations to support people living with cancer, their family and friends.
To celebrate the organisation’s 25th anniversary, on the 4th November a Maggie’s logo will appear illuminated against the magnificent backdrop of the House and orange lasers will punctuate the trail.
Wondrous Woods is also offering discounted tickets to 250 Maggie’s newsletter readers and running a social media competition to win family tickets for the event and the opportunity to experience the grandeur of the ancestral home with a sumptuous evening of drinks, plus a hamper of food courtesy of Maggie’s, served in the Tapestry Room.
Designed and produced by the team at 21CC Group, this year’s celebratory trail includes several sound and special effects installations and showcases a host of new and exciting festival-themed features including Kaleidoscope, Rubik’s Cube, Loo Lane and UV Madness.
Geoff Crow, Director of 21CC Group says: “Maggie’s do a truly amazing job providing support centres and information for people who are coping with a terrible change in their lives.
“And the fantastic thing is that their services are absolutely free. But they constantly need funding to provide these and we’re hoping that people who come along to Wondrous Woods will not only have a wonderful experience but also take the opportunity to combine that with supporting this inspirational charity.
“We are thrilled to be associated with Maggie’s and hope to do them proud in their silver anniversary year.”
Visitors who opt to support Maggie’s will be able to choose from different levels of donation when they purchase tickets for the trail.
Maggie’s Andrew Anderson at Maggie’s Edinburgh said:“We are honoured that Wondrous Woods has chosen to support Maggie’s this year. Maggie’s has been there for people with cancer and their families during the most difficult of times.
“Maggie’s Edinburgh was the first centre to open in 1996 and this year we are celebrating 25 years of expertise.
“We rely almost entirely on voluntary donations to support people living with cancer, as well as family and friends, so we are so grateful for your support.”
For further information about Wondrous Woods and to purchase tickets, visit www.wondrouswoods.com
Scottish based events group, 21CC has today, announced that a donation of over £3,000 will be made to the Scottish Intensive Care Society, following the sell-out of its lighting trail, Wondrous Woods, which was hosted at the magnificent Hopetoun House in October last year.
Following a year of cancelled events and widespread difficulties within the events industry, 21CC launched Wondrous Woods as part of their pivotal strategy for alternative revenue generation and to support the events sector supply chain, as well as to offer the public something magical to look forward to.
Director of 21CC and brainchild of Wondrous Woods, Geoff Crow comments, “As a business operating solely in the event space, we had to make a lot of changes to keep our business going, pivoting from the norm and with an amazing team behind us, we were lucky enough to produce the most spectacular event at Hopetoun House.
“In light of its success, we knew we wanted to show our love and support to those who were working tirelessly in this ongoing battle, and with the Scottish Intensive Care Society incredibly close to our hearts, the donation to them was an easy choice.”
Following a year of cancelled events and widespread difficulties within the events industry, 21CC launched Wondrous Woods to offer a touch of magic to visitors. The COVID-compliant outdoor event saw tickets purchased in their thousands, each with an option to donate a percentage to charity.
The team at 21CC has been supporting Intensive Care over the last few months by inputting to the launch of the Critical Care Recovery and Rehabilitation Fund initiative and therefore decided to make the Scottish Intensive Care Society (SCIO) the charity of choice for donations from Wondrous Woods.
Dr Elizabeth Wilson, Past President of the Scottish Intensive Care Society, explains how the donation will be used: “There are long term consequences associated with an episode of critical illness, which can persist well beyond 12 months after discharge from hospital. ICU survivors commonly experience impairments in physical function, cognition and mental health.
“Typical sequelae range from the inability to physically perform activities of daily living unassisted, to memory impairment, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. Relatives also suffer psychological morbidity, particularly anxiety and depression. An individual’s inability to return to work, combined with the burden of carer responsibilities, can impact profoundly on a family’s welfare, both socially and economically.”
Dr Wilson continued: “In contrast to other specialities which have well established rehabilitation programmessuch as cardiology, respiratory and stroke medicine, there is no dedicated, resourced pathway for ICU survivors.
“Never has this been more pertinent than during the COVID pandemic. This fund will support the rehabilitation needs of patients throughout Scotland, as they continue their recovery journey from critical illness back to health.”
21CC Group is a Scottish based events group based outside Edinburgh, established in 1999. The company produce events around the country for corporate groups, festivals, local authorities, and private clients.
Designed and produced by the team at 21CC Group and set in the magnificent grounds of Hopetoun House, Wondrous Woods has announced that they will be adding new dates to their festive lighting trail as a direct response to the overwhelming interest that they have received.
Geoff Crow, Director of 21CC Group says: “Woody the Owl and I have quite literally been blown away by the positive response that we’ve received for Wondrous Woods over the last few weeks.
“As of yesterday we were completely sold out and with so many people still enquiring about availability, we took the decision to put on a further week of tickets to allow more people to enjoy the trail.”
The Hopetoun trails offer us a spectacular environment, like no other. The spacious grounds have enabled the team to safely deliver this creative lighting journey, ensuring that everyone remains in adherence with strictest of safety guidelines.
The 21CC Wondrous Woods production has also enabled Geoff Crow to bring back his full event management and technical production workforce from furlough following the pandemic and in addition to this, over 120 people have been employed in the full delivery of the trail over the past four weeks.
The lighting trail has also been a welcome boost of income for the 57 supply chain businesses that have been involved in the delivery as well as Hopetoun House as a venue and the local visitor economy. With the trail attracting over 50% of the annual visitor figures to Hopetoun House in the space of four weeks. It is anticipated that the local economic impact of Wondrous Woods is in the region of £250,000.
The Earl of Hopetoun comments: “This is the first time we have hosted such an ambitious event at night and it’s hugely exciting, following such a difficult year for us all, to develop something so different for Hopetoun.
“With the outbreak of the global pandemic earlier on this year, visitor figures to our house were looking somewhat bleak; since its opening, however, Wondrous Woods has successfully attracted over 50% of our annual footfall in just a few weeks which is an astounding achievement.”
21CC Group have worked extensively with the Hopetoun team for many years, collaborating with them for the delivery of the highly successful Hopetoun Fireworks & Bonfire event, as well as the delivery of multiple large scale corporate events both within the House and the grounds.
21CC Group are a Scottish based events group based outside Edinburgh, established in 1999. They produce events around the country for corporate groups, festivals, local authorities, and private clients.
SCOTLAND’S FIRST LIGHTING TRAIL OF 2020 OPENS AT HOPETOUN HOUSE
October 21st – November 15th
Designed and produced by the team at 21CC Group and set in the magnificent grounds of Hopetoun House, Scotland’s finest stately home, the gates opened for Scotland’s first lighting trail of the year on Tuesday, welcoming guests to enjoy what has since been described as an ‘unforgettable sound, lighting and effects extravaganza’.
Starting and finishing at the House, the beautifully lit 2km woodland trail begins through the enchanting wrought iron gates to the north, leading visitors to unique and unseen areas of the grounds of Hopetoun.
The track winds through hidden pathways amongst ancient woodlands, clearings and past the old summerhouse before leading visitors back via the Lime Avenue, but not before seeing the magnificent Hopetoun House lit up in all its glory; all with some special, jaw dropping views along the way.
Along with the creative lighting, there are a number of sound and special effects, movement and installations, all of which enhance the nature and natural beauty that is the Wondrous Woods of Hopetoun House.
Geoff Crow, Director of 21CC Group says, “The Hopetoun trails offer us a spectacular environment, really like no other, with a fantastic amount of ground space which allows us to safely deliver this creative lighting journey, ensuring that we are adhering to the strictest of safety guidelines.
“It has been an absolute joy to work with one of Scotland’s best known visitor attractions to bring our vision to life and create something truly special for our guests.”
21CC Group have worked extensively with the Hopetoun team for many years, collaborating with them for the delivery of the highly successful Hopetoun Fireworks & Bonfire event, as well as the delivery of multiple large scale corporate events both within the House and the grounds.
The Earl of Hopetoun comments: “We are delighted to be the venue for the inaugural Wondrous Woods; it is thrilling for me to see the grounds come to life after dark with all the creative lighting and effects that are planned.
“This is the first time we have hosted such an ambitious event at night and it’s hugely exciting, following such a difficult year for us all, to develop something so different for Hopetoun. We look forward to welcoming you back here to see something unique.”
21CC Group are a Scottish based events group based outside Edinburgh, established in 1999. They produce events around the country for corporate groups, festivals, local authorities, and private clients.
