Volunteers are key to the success of Piping At Forres
Organisers of Moray’s biggest one day event are drumming up support from volunteers as they stage Piping At Forres, sponsored by Benromach Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky for the final time.
Volunteers are key to the success of Piping At Forres, the European Pipe Band Championships and recruitment is now open for those who want to lend a hand for the event which will be held on June 30 2018 in Grant Park.
Charlie Gaskin has volunteered at the event since 2014 and will be returning to Grant Park this year too. He said: “I attended the first Piping as a spectator and it was so well organised I just wanted to get involved. It’s a really enjoyable day out and it’s been great for Forres and Moray. I would really recommend it.”
Emma Marshall who will also be heading back to volunteer for her fifth year added: “It doesn’t feel like you are working. It’s really good fun. I initially signed up as I wanted to give something back to the town I have grown up in. I would urge people to get involved, you meet people from different walks of life and people from all over the world. I think the volunteers enjoy it as much as the visitors.”
Huge support
Piping At Forres is now in its sixth year and over that time hundreds of people have been involved in ensuring the event which attracts people from all over the world runs smoothly.
Sandra MacIver who coordinates the volunteers said she is always humbled by the level of support the one-day extravaganza receives: “Every year we put a call out for helpers and every year we are thrilled with the response.
“Our volunteers are the back bone of the event and there are so many different roles that need filling before, during and after the event. Our volunteers are really the hosts on the day and are often the first port of call for the visitors and competitors if and when they need help within the park. This may be as simple as directing people to the correct performance areas or ensuring people know where all the facilities are. Our volunteers are always on hand to help.”
During the event volunteers 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, welcoming the 100+ stallholders, moving lightweight crowd barriers and erecting and removing banners on the Friday and Sunday morning is also requested.
An enjoyable day out
Sandra added: “The feedback we get from our volunteers is that whilst they are there to help out they thoroughly enjoy the day and all that the event has to offer. As we are going into our final year, the organising committee has actually received feedback from a volunteer thanking us as she had such a great experience. 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.”
She added: “People who want to get involved need to email volunteer@pipingatforres.com so that we can make a volunteer plan. All volunteers will be given a full briefing on Thursday 21 June 2017 at 7.30pm at the Town Hall.”
Piping At Forres not only includes world class piping and drumming, Highland dancing and the World Tattie Scone Championships but also includes bars, a food and drink village, a craft and retail village and family friendly attractions such as funfairs.
Visitors can even try their hand at the pipes and drums themselves. Back by popular demand is the AES Solar Interactive Science Tent.