Community life and leisure

Stirling Set for Bumper Big Top Concerts

The stage is set for Stirling’s first big music concerts following the pandemic with major Scottish acts tuning up to play under the shadow of Stirling Castle this weekend.

Stirling Set for Bumper Big Top Concerts
Stirling Set for Bumper Big Top Concerts

The Big Top Under Canvas weekend will kick off on Friday 19 August with a sell-out gig from Texas in City Park, where Sharleen Spiteri and her bandmates will perform songs from their latest album ‘Hi’ in addition to hits from their 35-year back catalogue.

The following night will see contemporary Celtic act, Skipinnish, take to the stage. The eight-piece group have been rapidly growing in popularity on the festival circuit with their blend of original songs and powerful bagpipe, fiddle and accordion led melodies.

Supporting acts for Skipinnish will be alternative rock veterans Big Country, legendary singer-songwriter, Eddi Reader and pop-folk star, Sandi Thom.

A spokesman for the group said: "The band are so excited about playing the Big Top Under Canvas with a fantastic line up, including Big Country, Eddi Reader and Sandi Thom. It's going to be a great day, and one not to be missed!"

Tickets remain available for their show on 20 August and can be purchased online. FAQs on the event, including parking and travel, can be found on the LCC Live Events website.

Community Planning and Regeneration Committee Convener, Cllr Gerry McGarvey said: “The build up to this concert is incredibly exciting for Stirling as a destination for culture. Hosting one of Scotland’s most celebrated bands and one of the best traditional Celtic acts in the city’s first major gigs since the pandemic is a brilliant way to mark the return of live music.

“I hope everybody who has been lucky enough to get their hands on a ticket has a brilliant night.

“Being able to put on events such as this underlines the credentials of the city as a hub of activity with the ability to showcase itself as a fantastic destination for concerts and live performances, attracting big names for sell-out performances like this.

“I can’t wait to see the city buzzing over the weekend, as I’m sure our bars, restaurants, cafes and shops will all take a welcome boost as music lovers descend on the city from across Scotland and further afield.”