September is upon us, and you have to admit, there’s a fresh chill in the air as we teeter on the brink of autumn. But be of good cheer, because September happens to be one of Stirling’s most spectacular months! Check out these events …
Men with Coconuts, hilarious high energy improv at The Shindig this weekend
Sir Moustache Bristleby and the Ed-splorers – spinning yarns to all ages at the Shindig
Bloody Scotland 9-11 September
Far from being a ‘just Stirling’ event, Bloody Scotland is fast becoming a national literary treasure. Scotland’s International Crime Writing Festival draws crime writers from all over the world to Stirling every September. And in this fifth year of the festival they include Stuart MacBride, Caro Ramsay, Ian Rankin, Val McDermid, Chris Brookmyre and many more. The authors give unforgettable talks on crime and writing, and offer panels on everything from forensics to soil science and witness identification. There’s even a Scotland-England writers football match. If you love a crime thriller, you need to be in Stirling this weekend! For a full events line-up, see: www.bloodyscotland.com/
The Shindig 9-11 September
After three brilliant years, the Stirling Fringe Festival has relaunched as The Shindig: The Best Wee Party in Scotland. Despite the strapline, there’s nothing ‘wee’ about the Shindig. From its new residence in the Old Town Jail, the Shindig will host a performance marquee, an acoustic zone yurt where you can kick back and relax with some low key acoustics, as well as an open air music stage for the signature acts. There will be everything from live music and comedy, to children’s storytelling, street performers, ceilidhs, pipe bands, beer tastings and street food too. With much of it free, the Shindig is well worth a visit simply for the buzz. For full details of all events, see: http://stirlingfringe.com/
Doors Open Days
Doors Open Days is an annual event throughout Scotland each September. It does exactly what it says on the tin. It opens doors to the most fascinating buildings, sites and landscapes we have, whether large or small, grand or quirky. And it’s free. More than 800 buildings are expected to open, generating over 200,000 visits to sites and architectural gems in locations throughout Scotland. The website is brilliant – simply choose where you are or want to go, and you’ll find your listings. The Stirling Open Doors focuses on 10-11 September, an already busy weekend in the Stirling calendar, but there is plenty to see on other dates throughout September, so do have a browse: http://www.doorsopendays.org.uk/
Woodland Experiences
If you have kids who might find Stirling’s September a bit too hectic, how about leaving the city behind and heading outdoors for a bit of natural magic? Woodland Experiences operates from a family-tended woodland in North Ballochruin Farm in Balfron Station, just on the edge of Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park. Their ‘Fairy Experience’ event runs throughout September, with a magical fairy trail through the woodland, and light refreshments included in the £4 ticket price. While you are there you might also want to book up for their November Light Experience, and their Santa Experience for the festive season. Nothing like being prepared! For more information, see: http://www.woodlandexperiences.co.uk/
Searching for fairies in Ballochruin Woodland
Enjoy the Fairy Experience throughout September
Photo credits:
- The Shindig line-up photos reproduced by kind permission of Barry McDonald at The Shindig: http://stirlingfringe.com/
- Fairy Experience Photos reproduced by kind permission of Woodland Experiences: woodlandexperiences.co.uk