Spring – it’s time for breath-taking architecture, for science, for lungfuls of fresh air, for tomfoolery and perhaps even some yoga in the dark. Intrigued? Read on!
The spring Snowdrop Festival takes place in gardens throughout Scotland
St Peter’s Seminary – Hinterland’s blank canvas for Scottish arts
Hinterland
The official launch of Scotland’s Year of Innovation, Architecture and Design 2016, ‘Hinterland’ will illuminate the modernist ruin of St Peter’s seminary in Helensburgh, almost 50 years to the day that that the building was first opened. A haunting lightscape and choral performance will animate the structure, approached by a walked route through ancient woodland. This historic night-time event will be the first opportunity for the general public to explore this iconic building, and the last before this landscape is re-introduced as the biggest ground-breaking arts venue of the century. The event brings together a choral soundscape from Rory Boyle, with light effects from NVA, whose previous projects include the Tour de France and 2012 Olympics. Hinterland runs 18-27 March. For more information and tickets (don’t delay), see: http://hinterland.org/
The Snowdrop Festival
Spring just wouldn’t be spring without them. Delicate, beautiful and dauntless, the humble snowdrop must surely be one of Scotland’s favourite flowers. The Snowdrop Festival presents the perfect chance to see great swathes of these blooms throughout Stirlingshire and Perthshire, with Gargunnock House, The Linns, West Plean House, Duntreath Castle, Braco Castle and Cluny house all opening their doors. The festival runs until 13 March, and you can find full details here: http://www.scotlandsgardens.org/news/snowdrop-festival-2016
A record-breaking Earth Hour at the Helix
Why not start the spring by doing something amazing for our planet? Along with other public landmarks throughout the UK, the Kelpies will be switching off their lights for an hour on the night of 19 March. It’s an emblematic celebration of Earth Hour, the campaign to halt climate change. However, that’s not all – to draw attention to Earth Hour, the Helix are attempting to set a new world record – getting the ‘most people performing a yoga pose in front of an iconic venue’. It’s certainly a very different night out, with entertainment from Glenbervie Band and Sambalistic. If you want to take part in this worthwhile and pretty hilarious record attempt, get involved here. You MUST register on the night and the yoga moves will be easy!
Easter at the Castle
Stirling Castle’s Easter events are becoming something of a ‘must-do’ both for locals and visitors alike. And with Easter falling early this year (on 27 March), you won’t have long to wait. For 2016, the Castle is devoting the entire Easter weekend to a festival of fun-filled family foolery. The Royal Court jesters will be on hand both to entertain and to teach you their comic trade. There will be arts and crafts, and Renaissance games too. Tickets are included in the normal admission price and you can find details here.
Further Afield: Edinburgh
Running from 26 March to 10 April, The International Science Festival will ‘explore possible brave new worlds and science, technology, engineering and design’s ability to help improve our lives’. With events happening throughout the city, this is a great way both to experience hands-on science and to explore Scotland’s capital, fittingly known as our ‘Festival City’. And if you’re with children, visit Edinburgh International Science Festival’s spectacular science playground at City Art Centre over the 2016 Easter holidays. Don’t miss the chance to mix up Pongy Potions, experience the sounds of the jungle and discover the Secret Life of Coral. You can also enter the brain-boggling Carnival of the Mind and try your hand at fixing an engine in Mini Mechanics. There are six floors jam-packed with hands-on workshops and interactive events suitable for ages 3-12. Be sure, too, to make a stop at the National Museum of Scotland in Chambers Street for their ‘Build it!’ Lego exhibition and workshops. For full details on the science festival see: http://www.sciencefestival.co.uk/ and for the Lego exhibition, see: http://www.nms.ac.uk/national-museum-of-scotland/whats-on/build-it/
Night-time yoga at the Kelpies anyone?
The Blood Bar: hands-on science fun for kids at the International Science Festival
More information: For information on these and many more brilliant Springtime events, like us on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/stirlingselfcatering
Photo credits:
- Kelpies: Photo kindly supplied by the Kelpies team
- Hinterland: Photo by James Johnson, supplied by Hinterland
- Edinburgh International Science Festival Photo: Image supplied by Edinburgh International Science Festival