BUSINESSES SEEKING TO claim a pitch at Moray’s largest public gathering of the summer have until the end of March to get their bids in.
The European Pipe Band Championships, Piping at Forres, will take place for the fourth consecutive year Grant Park on Saturday, June 25.
An early application to avoid disappointment is being encouraged for those wishing to obtain a stall at the event, with prices starting at just £65 plus VAT.
Stands are being made available either under cover in marquees at the Food and Drink village and Craft and Retail village, or as free-standing stall within these areas.
All small stallholders will also have a chance to win ‘the best small business trade stand’ stall at Piping At Forres’ award, a competition run by the Moray and Keith Federation of Small Businesses. In 2015 this was awarded to Alan Macritchie of Ullapool Box Creations.
Piping At Forres are also keen to hear from any businesses interested in sponsoring the event, with those wishing to discuss that asked to contact event Director Eddie Tomkinson.
Mr Tomkinson said: “We rely on sponsors to help put on this event and are extremely grateful to the businesses who loyally sponsor us and help bring significant economic benefits to the area.
“Sponsors get a boost to their business through advertising, the retail space and of course there are opportunities through the hospitality that comes with the sponsorship.”
Six charities will also be selected from those applying for stall places to be awarded their pitch free of charge.
The impact of the event on the local economy was the subject of an independent economic report recently, showing £1.3million had been generated – an equivalent to an additional 5500 working days or 25 full-time equivalent jobs in the area.
Over 100 Pipe Bands from around the world journey to Forres to compete in the Championships, in front of a crowd of thousands that make it the largest ticketed one-day event in Moray. As well as the best in piping the event is a great family day out with over 100 stalls and attractions including two funfairs, and the World Tattie Scone Championship – details of how to enter will be on the website in early spring.
Further information about Sponsorship is available on the Piping At Forres website or from Davidm@pipingatforres.com
Applications for a stallholder place should be made online before 31 March via the Piping at Forres website.
Volunteers are a key part of the team that deliver the event and for those wishing to volunteer at this year’s event, a meeting will be held in the next few weeks announced through the Piping at Forres Facebook page.
Tickets for the event will go on sale in early April online and through various local outlets.