Princes Street Gardens Glow in the Dark for Royal Blind Event

11/1/2011 12:15 PM EST

The walk took place at 7pm and the route took walkers along enchanted pathways through Princes Street Gardens allowing around 200 children to encounter surprises and special effects along the way.

The trees and pathways within the gardens were lit with coloured lights to create a magical atmosphere for both children and adults. Theatrical surprises along the walk included a section of the path being lit with yellow light in the shape of a brick pattern to represent the yellow brick road from The Wizard of Oz, and was completed by volunteers dressed as the Tin Man, Scarecrow, Dorothy and the Lion!

The purpose of Glow in the Park was to launch Royal Blind’s Light Relief Week, an annual event which takes place in October when the clocks go back. During this week (from 29 October to 4 November) aspiring fundraisers are encouraged to use their extra hour to take part in a variety of activities to help raise money for the charity. Other events taking place include an ebay auction of higly sought after prizes from UK crime writer Ian Rankin.

Adele Blaikie, who attended this year's event with her daughter said “I would just like to say thank you for a wonderful night at Glow in the Park, my 3 year old daughter had an amazing night.”

Other exciting touches included a ‘Haunted House’ and glow in the dark bubbles whilst some children complemented their fancy dress costumes with some glow in the dark face painting. Even the Christmas lights on Princes Street were treated to an early switch on to complete the fairy-tale feeling throughout the park. Before beginning the walk, the children took part in a warm up led by the one and only Buzz Lightyear, and all participants received a medal upon completion of the walk.

Karen Deacon from Royal Blind said; “The event was a huge success and we can’t wait to make it even bigger and better next year. It’s such a magical atmosphere and we’d just like to thank everyone who helped us to raise funds”

For information on next year’s event you can contact the Royal Blind team on 0131 229 1456 or email  

Ends

For more information or photographs please contact Amy Morrison on 0131 229 1456.

Notes to editors
1. This story is for immediate use and the words and pictures are free to use.

2. The activities of Royal Blind, www.royalblind.org include:
The Royal Blind School, Edinburgh

The Royal Blind School offers the highest quality of education and care to meet the needs of young people with a visual impairment. Our two campuses include pre-school, primary and secondary facilities supporting pupils with additional support needs.

Braeside House
Braeside House is our home that provides first class services and facilities for older people who are blind or visually impaired, offering both residential and nursing care in purpose built premises.

Scottish Braille Press
The Scottish Braille Press is a leading provider of high quality alternative formats. The press has years of experience, backed up with continuing investment in technology and skills to ensure we can supply the best that is available for our customer needs.

Forward Vision
Forward Vision offers young adults aged 18-25 who have a visual impairment disability, care and support with person centred focus on strengths and abilities, encouraging greater independence.

4. All photographs were taken by Toby Williams.