Wonderful start to Winter Festival

An estimated 13,000 spectators attended the opening events of this year's Inverness Winter Festival, the Halloween spectacular "Malice in Wonderland" which was staged on Ness Islands on Friday and Saturday evening (October 29 and October 30).

Organised by The Highland Council in partnership with Eden Court Theatre and Evanton- based Arts in Motion, "Malice in Wonderland" featured more than 150 performers who brought 18 scenes to life around the 1,300 metre circuit in the middle of the River Ness.

Inspired by the works of Lewis Carroll, this year's Halloween show gave a sinister twist to the Adventures of Alice and amongst the surprises discovered on the night was a malicious version of "Strictly Come Dancing" which saw those unfortunate enough to be voted unworthy being dragged off to be beheaded, Ultra Violet lit Cheshire Cats high in the trees and a Mad Hatters Tea Party featuring a number of explosions and what appeared to be the odd severed head.

Once again visitors to the show took full advantage of the opportunity to show their own creativity and hundreds of spectators arrived in costume and mingled with an array of Cheshire Cats, White Rabbits, characters from the House of Cards and a number of old favourites such the Walrus, Mock Turtle and Griffin; as well as new favourites such as the giant mother of the Mad Hatter, the nine foot tall Morag and her Cheshire Dog.

The popularity of the Halloween Show, which was first staged last year, was confirmed when an estimated 4,000 plus spectators attended the opening night in heavy rain and a crowd estimated to be in the region of 9,000 plus attended the following night when the weather was kinder.

The Winter Festival continues on Friday Evening at Bught Park when a crowd in excess of 15,000 is expected to gather in Bught Park for the annual Inverness Civic Bonfire and Fireworks Display which will commence at 7.30pm


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