Posts for October, 2025

We’re extremely excited to announce that Santa Claus will be visiting the park on the 13th & 14th of December.

Santa will be arriving at the park with six of his favourite reindeer! Yes, that’s right, real reindeer! Come meet Santa and his reindeer between 12-3.30 pm.

From November 22nd, from 4 pm – 6 pm, step into a magical winter wonderland where lights, sounds, and dazzling effects transform the Ancient Forest into an unforgettable escape.

🌲 Red Squirrel Trail – climb into the treetops by day, then explore a glowing UV tunnel by night.
💫 Laser Show – a spectacular display illuminating the forest.
🍴 Forest Food Stop – enjoy tasty snacks and drinks.
🔥 Roasting Pits – toast marshmallows or s’mores under the stars.

The trail is pram and wheelchair friendly, and well-behaved dogs are welcome. (Please note: part of the trail includes a sound installation.)

Don’t miss out and book your Twi-LIGHTS experience today!

Run Balmoral is North-East Scotland’s biggest mass participation sporting event.

Each year around 5000 runners, from primary-school pupils to international athletes, take part in our two-day community running festival, set against the spectacular backdrop of Balmoral Castle and Estate.

Joining them are around 10,000 spectators, all free to enjoy the food and fun of the bustling event village, as well as the beauty of the event’s magical Deeside location. Every finisher receives a special medal and, in 2026, will have the option to purchase a sustainable Run Balmoral t-shirt. Saturday plays host to the McIntosh Plant Hire 1.5km Primary Schools Race, the RAM Tubulars 2.5km Secondary Schools Race, the Harbour Energy 5km and the Stena Drilling 10km.

Sunday is trails day with two off-road events: the 6 Mile Trail Race and the 15 Mile Trail Race. Take on all four main events over the two days and you’ll become one of our John Clark Motor Group Devils of Deeside!

Acclaimed local composer and musician Hamish Napier is joined by Patsy Reid, one of Scotland’s finest fiddle players, for a special folk concert followed by a community ceilidh dance. Doors open 6.30pm. CONCERT 7pm to 8pm then after a break for refreshments and raffle (bring CASH for raffle) CEILIDH from 8.30pm to 09.30pm. Licensed bar, teas & coffees, prize raffle. Free venue parking.

Scottish Gas Men’s Scottish Cup: Strathspey Thistle FC v Dundee North End FC, kick-off 3pm.

Parking at ground (disabled spaces available) and at Burnfield Avenue car park. Tea bar with hot food.

Mackellar Suite open from 1.30pm for those who have booked hospitality packages (hospitality@strathspeythistlefc.uk to book) or are adults/seniors who have paid admission at main gate. (N.B. Season tickets are NOT valid at this match).

Half-time raffle. Merchandise and team-sheets.

Meet at The Grantown Hub at 12.30pm for a relaxed heritage walk for all ages through town and woods with musical interludes.

Arrive at Grant Park at 13.45pm for an outdoor picnic and more music. (N.B. Picnic is weather dependent).

The perfect way to unwind after the multifarious FoS programme the day before – musicians, please bring your instruments and join in the fun!!!

As part of The Highlands & Islands Climate Hub Climate Festival, the Grantown YMCA Community Centre is proud to present a series of 22 free events that aim to address Climate Change.
Each event will give you the information and guidance, to allow you to make subtle changes to your lifestyle, to reduce your impact on climate change.
We have children’s ergo Club and art competition, talks on Beavers, Peatland and AI computers, workshops on bike maintenance, clothing and furniture restorations, a big Capercaille build, a cinema night, climate cuisine and a recycle, reuse table sale to finish.
We look forward to meeting you all.

Family Ceilidh: Dance to the music of Reel Scotch. Steps will be explained and you will soon get the hang of it! All ages welcome. Prize raffle. Fully licensed bar. (Open session in the bar with Paul Anderson and friends after the Ceilidh finishes!).

FIDDLER OF STRATHSPEY FESTIVAL. Refreshments and food available at or near all venues Events arranged by The Grantown Society (SCIO50104).
10am-12 noon, Inverallan Church Hall: COFFEE MORNING with tunes on fiddle from Paul Anderson.
12noon-3.30pm, Ben Mhor Hotel / Y.M.C.A. Community Centre: WORKSHOPS (fiddle, singing, drumming, moothie – see programme for timings, all ages and levels welcome, instruments can be provided). Suggested donation for participants £5.
2pm-4pm, Grantown Hub: BADENOCH LADIES WAULKING GROUP (“Waulking the Cloth” – learn the traditional art of shrinking tweed whilst singing rhythmically in Gaelic and have a go at either or both!). Free (or modest donation).
4pm-4.45pm (rehearsal 3.45pm), Y.M.C.A. Community Centre (Cinema): WORKSHOPS PERFORMANCE Free.
5pm, Ben Mhor Hotel: OPEN SESSION in Bar with Paul Anderson. Free.
6pm, Ben Mhor Hotel: FESTIVAL DINNER (all welcome) – Fiddler’s Fish & Chips, Ceilidh Curry, Vegan Violins (all options £10).
N.B. Family Ceilidh at 7pm – listed separately.

Family Friendly Halloween Archery
Get ready for a thrilling 90-minute Halloween archery session! Take aim at spooky targets like ghosts, vampires, and zombies, perfect for kids and adults alike. After mastering your archery skills, let your little monsters decorate their own pumpkins and watch them go ‘splat’ in our exciting pumpkin-shooting finale. With professional coaching, fun challenges, and Halloween candy for the kids, this session promises spooky outdoor fun for all the family.

Highlights;
90-minute Halloween-themed archery experience
Shoot at creepy targets like vampires and ghouls
Pumpkin decorating in family / small groups and smashing finale
Suitable for kids (ages 8+) and adults
Halloween candy included!