A Forres light show which was hailed a success last year has been given two major funding awards to support this year’s event.
The Colours of Cluny will receive the funding for the event in November from Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) and EventScotland.
Last year was the first time that the Colours of Cluny event had been held, having been created by Forres Features as a vehicle to encourage visitors to the town and to boost the local economy.
The event relies on external funding and volunteers to be able to go ahead.
This year’s event will cost about £140,000 to stage, with any profits made being put towards the cost of the following year’s show as well as local charities.
HIE will contribute £15,000 towards the cost of this year’s event, and Event Scotland will give £6,000.
Forres Features chairman Graham Murdoch welcomed the investment and added that extra funding would be needed to ensure the show can continue for years to come.
He said: “Forres Features is delighted that both HIE and EventScotland have decided to invest in the 2017 Colours of Cluny event.
“Support from our funding partners and the local business community is absolutely vital to the continued success of this not-for-profit event which is helping to boost the economy during what is traditionally a quiet part of the year.
“We hope locals and visitors from all parts of the North-east and further afield will come along and enjoy our sound and light extravaganza.”
