A Moray arts group has been heralded for its trailblazing approach when it comes to staging volunteer-led spectacles.
The Findhorn Bay Arts organisation has ushered thousands of visitors into Forres over the past three years for its annual Culture Day events.
Last summer’s showcase drew about 3,000 people into the town centre, to watch 80 different displays.
Organisers have declared that the celebration would not have become the phenomenon it has without the selfless work of a sizeable group of volunteers.
And now their efforts have been rewarded with the ensemble receiving a special award from Third Sector Interface (TSI) Moray, which recognises their commitment to recruiting helpers of all ages and abilities.
Forres teenager, Abi Smith, was one of the volunteers who worked to ensure the success of last year’s Culture Day.
The 16-year-old said that, as well as being “really fun”, her work with the group had helped her land a job.
Abi said: “Volunteering with Findhorn Bay Arts has been really fun. “I have learned new things, made new friends and the experience has helped me get a part time job too.”
Vicky Flood, volunteer co-ordinator for Culture Day, added: “Events like these wouldn’t happen without these dedicated volunteers.
“It is fantastic to have people of all ages coming on board to support the organisation, and those volunteers are able to grow personally and increase their confidence by working with us.”
The group’s outreach and audience development manager, Gill Bird, said it was “especially encouraging” to see young people like Abi benefit from their time helping out.
TSI Moray’s Jenny Devlin added: “Findhorn Bay Arts has a diverse range of volunteering opportunities available throughout the year and has a role for everyone to get involved.”
Findhorn Bay Arts says volunteer involvement has also been crucial to its biennial Findhorn Bay Festival event, which was first staged in 2014.
The five-day celebration of arts and culture showcased a range of respected artists performing theatre pieces and live music, as well as a series of exhibitions.
A second event will take place later this year, from Wednesday, September 21 to Sunday, September 25.
