Expect oceans of splendour at this year’s The Enchanted Forest immersive night-time sensory journey. Photo: Laservision.
Tickets are on sale for The Enchanted Forest, and the theme for this year’s instalment of the award-winning storytelling light and sound show is already making a splash.
Selling out the past two years, this immersive night-time sensory journey brings a new imaginative narrative, intertwined within the canopy of Shellharbour’s Blackbutt Forest Reserve.
This year, “Tides of Treasure” is a thrilling treasure hunt, telling the tale of a glorious pirate treasure lost to the depths and waiting to be unlocked. Guests are invited to seek out the missing key and unlock the sparkling treasure within.
Creators Laservision have brought the story to life with glowing trails of luminous ocean creatures, dazzling lasers, captivating soundscapes, crowd-favourite holograms and more interactive displays than ever.
Laservision artistic director Angela Davis said in the show’s third year, the team was determined to prove it could come back time and again with fresh, stand-out experiences that not only highlighted Shellharbour as a destination but wowed repeat visitors.
“The first was set in a magical forest, the second was in outer space, so it felt the natural progression this year to go under the sea,” she said. “Being a coastal area, the ocean theme adventure is fitting, but also is a rich source of inspiration with which to create an unforgettable experience for visitors.”
In a dreamy ocean filled with floating, ethereal sea life, light projections will be inspired by the mysteries of the deep blue and interactive installations will include everything from light-reactive spheres that respond to touch to the glow of bioluminescence that interacts with guests’ movements.
The Enchanted Forest series is part of Laservision’s Luna Light Journeys, which are staged all around Australia and tailored to the spaces they’re in.
“Each location is an exciting canvas to work with. Blackbutt Forest is a particularly interesting space with a mix of dense forest and trails – lots of ways to create intrigue,” Angela said.
“We map out spaces that will work for particular installations, so the setting helps shape the narrative.
“It’s a challenge to surprise and wow people in new and exciting ways, but that’s what makes my job so fun.”
The Enchanted Forest, which was recognised on the national stage in its inaugural year, is presented in partnership with Shellharbour City Council.
Shellharbour Mayor Chris Homer said he was proud to see the continued partnership with Laservision bringing this much-loved event to life once again.
“The Enchanted Forest has become a highlight on our city’s calendar, an experience that brings families and friends together in a truly magical setting,” he said.
”Events like this foster stronger social connections, boost our local economy and enhance community wellbeing – all while showcasing one of our beautiful natural assets, Blackbutt Forest.
“With this year’s ocean-inspired theme, I know visitors will be enchanted once again.”
The Enchanted Forest runs nightly from Friday 30 May to Sunday 22 June. Tickets start from $10.50 for children, $16.50 for adults, $43.50 for a family (of four) and infants under two go free – book now via The Enchanted Forest to avoid disappointment.
