YoUR THEME for 2026: Carnival of the wolf
Culture Night Stirling 2026
Carnival of the Wolf
1st May 2026
The Legend of the Wolf
‘Here in auld days
The wolf roam’d
In a hole of the rock
In ambush lay’
One of Stirling’s most famous tales dates back to the 9th century, when the town stood at the border of rival kingdoms.
As Vikings crept up the crag under cover of darkness, a pack of wolves began to howl — alerting the townsfolk and saving Stirling from attack.
This story inspires our first Culture Night — a Carnival of the Wolf
In 2026, the Wolf returns — not as a single story, but as a Carnival of the Wolf: a celebration of creativity, transformation, and community spirit across Stirling and its surrounding areas.
The TALE of the STIRLING WOLF
One of the most famous Stirling stories, is that of the Stirling Wolf. The tale of the Stirling Wolf dates back to the 9th century, when Stirling found itself on the border of multiple kingdoms, all of whom wanted to expand.
It was first under the rule of the Picts until the princes, Osbrecht and Ella captured it. One night, while the town was sleeping, a horde of Vikings crept up the crag, preparing to invade under the cover of darkness.
As they approached, they disturbed a pack of wolves, who began to howl, waking the whole town. The princes and townsfolk set out to do battle, only to find the Vikings already fleeing, scared away by the wolf pack.
DISCOVER MORE ABOUT THE STIRLING WOLF
INSPIRING IDEAS
The Wolf can be many things
Guardian, trickster, protector, survivor. It might speak of wildness, courage, hunger, or the joy of belonging to a pack.
Your take could be playful, poetic, or political — told through sound, light, storytelling, food, performance, or digital media.
You might explore:
The Pack – connection, community, and collective energy.
The Call of the Wild – rediscovering instinct, nature, and freedom.
Wolf in Culture – from film and folklore to pop and fashion.
Hungry as a Wolf – food, appetite, and indulgence as creative metaphors.
Transformation – the night, the moon, the shift from ordinary to extraordinary.
Carnival Spirit – play, disguise, storytelling, and the joy of reinvention.
The theme is open and imaginative. Whether through performance, film, installation, design, writing, or community celebration — there’s room for every kind of wolf.
Ideas Sparked by Early Engagement
Our first Culture Night Stirling workshop invited artists, businesses, and community representatives to imagine bold, creative possibilities.
Ideas included:
Pop-up performances and artworks animating Stirling’s landmarks and rural spaces.
Collaborations across artforms — music, digital arts, theatre, food, sport, and heritage.
Local businesses as creative hosts, curating special menus or after-dark offers themed around the Wolf.
Outdoor film screenings of wolf-related classics or reinterpretations.
Storytelling, projection, and light installations transforming familiar places.
Family-friendly evening events encouraging exploration and participation
LET YOUR IMAGINATION RUN WILD
UNLEASH YOUR INNER WOLF
A Celebration Across Stirling
Culture Night Stirling will light up spaces across the city and surrounding areas — from historic streets and community halls to rural venues, cultural hubs, and unexpected corners.
The opening event will begin at Stirling Castle around 4pm, before activities unfold across Stirling through the evening.
Events can run from 5pm onwards, connecting communities through shared discovery, sound, taste, and imagination.
Our Shared Values
When planning your event, consider how it can:
Be inclusive and accessible, welcoming everyone to take part.
Offer fair pay and recognise the value of artists and creative work.
Include a free offer or free access for audiences.
Use the Culture Night Stirling logo and toolkit to help create a shared visual identity.
Contribute to a sustainable, safe, and welcoming night-time Stirling.
Practical Magic
Use the Scene Stirling Creative Directory to find artists or collaborators.
Get in touch with the Scene Stirling team for informal advice before applying for funding or submitting your idea.
Consider timings, transport, and access — how audiences move between venues, and what they might need to feel safe and included.
Think about venue accessibility, facilities, lighting, and transport options.
Let the Wolf Inspire You
Culture Night Stirling is a chance for everyone to take part — artists, venues, schools, community groups, and local businesses.
So…
What does “Carnival of the Wolf” mean to you?
How might your project or venue bring the legend to life?
What howl of creativity will you add to the night?
