ORGANISERS OF MORAY’S largest single day event of the summer are calling on local people to rally to the cause and volunteer their help in ensuring it is another success.
A key to the popularity of Piping At Forres since the event was awarded to Moray has been the volunteers who give their time freely.
Volunteer registration for the 2017 event – which takes place at Grant Park in Forres on June 24 – is now open, with organisers appealing for as many as possible to come forward.
Lesley Dyson did just that a year ago for the first time – and it was a decision she did not regret: “I absolutely loved it, it was a fantastic experience.
“I would not have missed it for the world. I really loved being involved in such a big event in my community.”
Volunteers of all ages and abilities undertake jobs before, during and after the day as they are asked to work in teams interacting with the visitors, selling programmes and helping keep Grant Park looking its best.
Help in setting up and taking down the event, for example welcoming the over 100 stallholders, while moving lightweight crowd barriers and banners on the Friday and Sunday morning is also requested.
Volunteer co-ordinator is Sandra MacIver: “The feedback we get from our volunteers is that while they are there to help out they thoroughly enjoy the day and all that the event has to offer.
“There are jobs to suit everyone and we particularly encourage help from young people who may be able to use the support they provide towards awards such as the Duke of Edinburgh scheme or on their CVs.
“People who want to get involved need to register at www.pipingatforres.com/volunteers so that we can make a volunteer plan. All volunteers will be given a full briefing on Thursday 15 June 2017 at 7.30pm at the Town Hall.”
Now in its fifth year, Piping At Forres not only includes world class piping and drumming, Highland dancing and the World Tattie Scone Championships but also includes a food and drink village, a craft and retail village, bars and family attractions such as funfairs.
Visitors can even try their hand at the pipes and drums themselves. New attractions at this year’s event will include an interactive science tent and reenactors to tell visitors more about the history and heritage of Forres and the surrounding area.