Culture Day Forres is all about opening up the town and filling it with activity, creativity, and conversation. We’re inviting participants to offer free, welcoming ‘taster’ experiences that people can simply drop into and enjoy throughout the day.
From performances, workshops, talks, screenings, and exhibitions to demonstrations, tours, or interactive displays, the idea is to share what you do in a way that feels open, engaging, and accessible to everyone.
Rather than a single stage or central hub, activities will take place right across Forres High Street, Grant Park, and surrounding venues such as cafés, bars, shops, churches, halls, and other community spaces. It’s about the whole town coming to life in different ways at once. Findhorn Bay Arts will work closely with participants to help identify a suitable space and support you in shaping an activity that works for your practice, your audience, and your capacity.
What we’re looking for
All activities should:
- Take place within Forres town centre (including venues, cafés, parks, civic and community spaces)
- Be free, non-ticketed, and open to everyone
- Be drop-in or run at regular intervals
- Be suitable for all ages
- Be interactive, engaging, and welcoming
We encourage ideas that are simple, achievable, and tailored to your available time, space, and resources.
Ideas and Inspiration
There are many ways to take part — big or small. The key is to keep it manageable and aligned with what you already do. Here are just a few ideaas to get you thinking…
- Open your premises on the High Street and offering a creative taster activity
- Set up a gazebo in Grant Park with an interactive display or experience
- Host a tour of your space or offer an outreach activity in one of our public spaces
- Partner with a local café, shop, or venue to showcase your work to a new audience
- Create a “have-a-go” activity that reflects your practice
- Deliver talks, demonstrations, or interactive sessions
Got an Idea? Have something to Share?
Deadline for submitting your idea is 5pm, 30 June 2026
If you, your organisation or business think you can contribute and participate in this year’s Culture Day across Forres, then let us know about your ideas. We will get back to you to discuss how it could work and how we can support you.
How it works
To keep everything safe, welcoming, and accessible:
- All activities must be free and suitable for all ages
- Activities should be interactive, imaginative, and engaging
- Events must run continuously or at scheduled intervals
- All activity must take place within Forres town centre
- Coordination with Findhorn Bay Arts is required
- Participants are responsible for any costs associated with their activity
Support FUnding
A small support fund of up to £100 per community group or organisation is available to help with costs. Funds for this support are limited so please only apply if this support is needed for you to access this opportunity.
How We will SUpport You
Findhorn Bay Arts will support participants by
- helping to find spaces and shaping activities to be suitable for the public programme.
- Recruit and manage volunteers to help direct and support audiences across town.
- Book and fund a number of venues and hubs for programmed activity.
- Provide event managers and/or volunteer support at key locations.
- Coordinate with local authorities and services to ensure public safety.
- Apply for required public entertainment licences.
- Secure and fund a limited number of indoor and weather contingency spaces.
- Deliver a marketing campaign, including an event programme, map and digital promotion.
What You will Do
Participants are responsible for:
- Covering any costs related to their participation event or activity.
- Providing sufficient staff or volunteers for their event or activity.
- Managing signage and promotion at their activity (think Edinburgh Fringe style).
- Ensuring appropriate insurance, licences, and health & safety measures are in place.
- Considering accessibility and making activities as inclusive as possible.
- Promoting their activity via their own networks and platforms.