DOUBLE FESTIVAL FUN FOR STIRLING KIDS

Teen codebreakers at Bannockburn Libray’s innovative maker space.

Stirling’s families enjoyed an action-packed end to the October holidays thanks to two local festivals.

The city’s Science and Open Streets Festivals offered over 50 ways to have fun and learn something new, from football tricks to coding skills.

The fun kicked off last Wednesday (19 Oct) with a deep-sea double bill at the Tolbooth, where marine scientists from Dynamic Earth shared their in-depth ocean knowledge with youngsters.

Special guests Dynamic Earth brought along deep sea specimens to explore.

The cloudy skies that evening didn’t stop families flocking to Stirling Highland Hotel for a glimpse through their antique telescope. Over 125 festival goers were treated to an extreme close-up of famous local landmark The National Wallace Monument.

Thursday’s events had a distinct problem-solving theme, from hunting for fossils with the Dinosaur Detectives to a World War II themed code breaking challenge at Bannockburn Library. While at the Tolbooth, Think Science encouraged audiences to take a closer look at luck and debunked some popular superstitions. From putting up an umbrella indoors, to breaking a mirror.

Think Science encouraged audiences to rethink their ‘silly’ superstitions.

There were also plenty of exciting activities to keep the kids entertained at this year’s newest Science Festival venue, Thistles shopping centre. From storytelling and robot dancing with award-winning One Button Benny author Alan Windram to a bicycle powered Scalextric track.

Jumping for joy at the Albert Halls Family Day.

This year’s festival culminated in a bumper family day at The Albert Halls, Stirling, on Saturday, with everything from face painting and fingerprint analysis to scent tests and jumping challenges.

The festival finale coincided with Stirling’s first ever Open Streets Festival, which saw the city’s streets come to life with spooky circus performers, live music and a host of free family activities from cricket to giant Jenga.

Spooky circus performers brightened up the city streets on Saturday.

Even the afternoon rain didn’t stop play, with crowds gathering to watch football freestyler Ross Brown pull off some seemingly impossible tricks and families letting their hair down on the silent disco tour.

Both festivals were organised by Stirling Council, with support from EventScotland for the Science Festival.

Saturday’s free silent disco tours were sold out.

Convener of Stirling Council’s Finance and Economy Committee, Councillor Margaret Brisley said: “Stirling was alive with culture, adventure and excitement during the school holidays thanks to these two fantastic fun-filled family festivals.

“It was wonderful to see the enthusiasm, interest and curiosity from families and young people attending Stirling’s Science Festival, with great numbers showing up to a diverse range of events and activities.

“Despite the dull and dreich weather, there was a superb atmosphere in Stirling and across our event venues, especially over the weekend as visitors and residents got to experience our historic, vibrant city centre and its attractions without traffic during our inaugural Open Streets Festival.

“The early feedback has been really positive and I would like to thank everyone involved in the organisation and running of both these innovative festivals.”

The Open Streets Festival also featured live music, such as Hamish Hawk’s popular cafe gig at the Tolbooth.