ORGANISERS of a week-long lights and sound spectacular in the Forest around Beechenhurst Lodge are expecting in excess of 10,000 visitors – and keeping their fingers crossed for fine weather.

"If it rains we will go ahead as planned," said Mike Cheshire of public relations firm Golley Slater, which is promoting the event on behalf of Forest of Dean Tourism.

"Unless it rains too heavily, of course – but then if people miss one night there is always another time to come along with it spread over a week," he said.

Colourful laser projections coupled with extraordinary sounds will play through the trees on a mile-long loop of the Sculpture Trail from Beechenhurst from 7-10pm and running from this Friday to next Friday with the exception of the evenings of October 29 and 30.

"The sights and sounds are quite spectacular – they're like nothing anybody has seen before. These are the top UK performance artists in the field," said Mike.

"The last time they did something like this in the West Midlands they just did one night which was 18 months in the planning, and it attracted thousands of visitors.

"What they have achieved in the Forest with just six or seven weeks' planning for a seven night run is amazing."

He said that as well as attracting local people he would expect 'anyone within a few hours' drive of the Forest' from as far away as London to be excited by the event.

It also tied in beautifully with bonfire night at Speech House on November 3 and this coming Sunday's Forest Showcase at the same venue.

The project promises to deliver a different 'live' experience to visitors each night, with artists working to the last minute. It will also feature a 'Where RU?' installation by Lulu Quinn and Julie Westerman, which will project incoming streaming mobile phone text messages on the tree canopy – 07813 940170 will relay anyone's response to the treetops.