Stirling Science Festival is back and out of this world
Families can enjoy the adventure of a lifetime during the October week holiday – by making a trip from Stirling to the very edge of the Solar System.
Article Source: Stirling Council
Last Updated: 26 September 2024 14:49
The Stirling Science Festival returns from 17-19 October and most of the family-friendly events are free of charge for all who attend.
Now in its sixth year, the festival is organised by Stirling Council and funded by the Scottish Government and is an integral part of Stirling’s 900th anniversary celebrations.
Events will take place at a range of local venues including The Tolbooth, Albert Halls, Codebase, Thistles Centre, The Smith Museum and Stirling Observatory, as well as local libraries.
Highlights include Dynamic Earth’s inflatable planetarium at The Tolbooth, where resident astronomers will take visitors on a dramatic journey to Neptune and beyond - and back again.
The Tolbooth will also host Castles Rock, an interactive show from the team at the Glasgow Science Centre that delves into the science and engineering of our amazing castles, including Stirling.
The Computing Science and Maths team at the University of Stirling will host a lecture for all ages at The Smith Museum. It will explain the mathematical landscape of the 12th century, when King David I bestowed Royal Burgh status on Stirling, and unravel the intriguing properties of the number 900 itself.
Other activities include potion making at a Harry Potter Book Day, nature trail at The Smith Museum, star gazing at the Stirling Observatory, a design workshop at Codebase, free activities at The Thistles, Lego building, lectures – and even Benji the Bus in Bannockburn.
Stirling Council Leader, Cllr Margaret Brisley, said: “The Stirling Science Festival has become a much-loved addition to our events programme since it first took place in 2019 and it will provide a cornerstone this year as we mark our 900th anniversary as a Royal Burgh.
“There’s so much to do, for all age groups, and we know parents appreciate and welcome the fact that so many events are free of charge during the October school holiday week.
“We have some top class venues, including the Albert Halls and Tolbooth, but this is a festival that also goes to the very heart of our communities with shows in venues such as The Thistles, as well as our local libraries, from Strathblane to St Ninians.
“We want to encourage exploration and discovery in the minds of our children, young people – and adults. Most of all, we want to inspire fun and learning for all age groups.
“We look forward to engaging with local people and visitors to interact with the wonderful world of science and nature.”
Highlights of the Festival include:
Star Gazing
Join volunteers from Stirling Astronomical Society to view the night sky and stars through their Newtonian reflector designed telescope, constructed and installed in the observatory of the Stirling Highland Hotel by William Peck in 1889. The observatory has a rotating domed roof sheathed in copper whose green surface makes it a familiar landmark in Stirling!
Glasgow Science Centre - Castles Rock
The show at The Tolbooth delves into the science and engineering that underpin our amazing castles. This fun, interactive science show will bring castles to life on Friday, 18 October, from their construction to destruction and how we preserve the castles that remain.
Dynamic Earth
Join Dynamic Earth in their inflatable planetarium at The Tolbooth on Thursday, 17 September. Their resident astronomers will take guests on a dramatic journey to the very edge of our solar system and back. In real-time visitors can see the boundaries of human exploration and follow in the footsteps of some very special space missions.
Benji - The Double Decker Play Bus
The ‘Play, Talk, Read’ team will be providing fun, free play activities for families on Thursday, 17 October at Bannockburn Library. Drop-in sessions will run from 10am-1pm and 2-4pm.
Animation Workshop
Learn the art of stop-motion animation, from the early days of zoetropes to today’s digital techniques, all while exploring 900 years of Stirling’s history through collage. The workshop is hosted by Doska Animation at The Tolbooth on Thursday and Friday, 17 and 18 October.
For details of all events and information on booking, which is recommended for the most popular activities, please visit www.stirlingsciencefestival.org
Image: Adam Keane of Stirling High in a cosmonaut costume
Image credit: Mark Ferguson/Stirling Council
Sponsored Links
Latest Stirling News
New documentary tells the story of world record breaking Scottish brothers
A new documentary - now live on STV Player - tells the story of the Maclean Brothers and their self-confessed “piss poor” preparations the ocean adventure that lay ahead.
READ MORE
Wallace High Girls bid again for Scottish Cup glory
People across Stirling are being urged to cheer on Wallace High Senior Girls on Friday night (9 May) as they bid to retain the Scottish Cup.
READ MORE
David Attenborough and Eurovision steal the spotlight at Vue venues in Scotland this month
Audiences are invited to travel the globe - both musically and visually - this May, as both David Attenborough and Eurovision head to the big screen at Vue venues across Scotland.
READ MORE
The Royal Yacht Britannia Exhibition and Retail Experience are shipshape and ready to welcome visitors
2025 marks the next chapter in The Royal Yacht Britannia Trust’s legacy with the opening of a brand-new, world-class visitor centre with exhibition and retail experience.
READ MORE
Pavilion Festival rounds off biggest event yet with Happy Mondays and STREETrave Classical
Pavilion Festival has rounded off its biggest ever event with over 16,000 music fans enjoying three days of non-stop live music and feel good vibes on Ayr’s iconic Low Green.
READ MORE
Cineworld announces first ever 4DX Family Day
For one day only, families can experience Moana, Paddington, and Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone in immersive 4DX at all 34 Cineworld 4DX screens nationwide.
READ MORE
Brand new show Something About Lennon opens UK tour this month with Scottish dates
Celebration of the iconic late Beatle's life and music will be performed at 26 venues nationwide.
READ MORE
Celebrate Fathers Day in Style with Dobbies Sunday Lunch and Planting Experience
This June, Dobbies Garden Centres is presenting a brand-new way to celebrate Father’s Day, combining a hearty Sunday roast with a hands-on grow-your-own herb planting workshop.
READ MORE
Blue Light Awards Scotland to honour emergency services heroes
Nominations for the Blue Light Awards Scotland, recognising the courage, commitment and community spirit of our Blue Light Services, are now open.
READ MORE
Funding awarded to seven projects for tree planting in cities and towns across Scotland
The Urban Forestry Programme is supporting projects in urban areas to help more people experience the benefits of trees.
READ MORE
Culture Night Stirling 2026 announced
Stirling Council and local partners are delighted to announce a new annual celebration of culture, which will see the area come alive at night with an exciting range of events and activities.
READ MORE
IRN BRU proposes Kelpies mythical makeover to honour our national animal
IRN-BRU thinks it’s time for Scotland’s unicorns to finally toot their own horn - by giving one of the country’s most iconic sculptures a magical makeover.
READ MORE
Rory McIlroy Confirmed for Genesis Scottish Open
Newly-crowned Masters Tournament champion Rory McIlroy is set to compete for a second Genesis Scottish Open title!
READ MORE
Major milestone reached in new flood defence scheme for Bridge of Allan
A new £16 million flood prevention scheme for Bridge of Allan has taken a significant step forward following approval to procure a contract to design and build the defences.
READ MORE
Holding Back The Years: 40 Years of Simply Red in cinemas May 15
To celebrate 40 years of legendary music, Simply Red are releasing their concert film 'Holding Back the Years: 40 Years of Simply Red, Live in Santiago' on the big screen.
READ MORE
This May bank holiday weekend sees 3 day festival take over Ayr Beach and the sun is set to shine!
Pavilion Festival 2025: From Big Top, live music to secret gigs - here's what to expect!
READ MORE
Fun for all the family at the 36th annual Scottish Game Fair
The Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT) Scottish Game Fair is back for its 36th year at Scone Palace, taking place 4th - 6th July 2025.
READ MORE
Free Glorious Grass gardening workshop for children at Dobbies
Dobbies Garden Centres are welcoming children across the UK to join in on the fun this May to uncover all there is to know about grass at its free Little Seedlings Club workshop.
READ MORE
Stirling Highland Games Chieftain for 2025 is named
Stirling Highland Games have announcement that former Scotland Women’s rugby internationalist Lyndsay O'Donnell has been appointed as their honorary chieftain for 2025.
READ MORE
Market set to bring flavours and crafts from around the world to Loch Lomond
Loch Lomond Shores is hosting a continental market on Saturday 10th and Sunday 11th of May!
READ MORE
Landmark active travel project in Stirling officially opens
A ground-breaking active travel network that will transform how people get around Stirling and the wider region has officially opened.
READ MORE
New Bluey collection comes to cinemas for the May Bank Holiday
Bluey at the Cinema: Let's Play Chef Collection will be playing in cinemas across the UK and Ireland from Saturday 3rd May, just in time for the Early May Bank Holiday weekend.
READ MORE
New and exclusive Heritage Planting and Afternoon Tea experience comes to Dobbies
Dobbies Garden Centres is hosting a new hands-on planting and afternoon tea experience inspired by the RHS Chelsea Garden Show and Dobbies' 160-year heritage.
READ MORE
Stories of inspiring young women sought by charity
The Young Women’s Movement, Scotland’s national organisation for young women and girls’ leadership and rights, is seeking nominations for its tenth annual 30 Under 30 list.
READ MORE
The Scottish Wild Food Festival returns from 17th to 18th May
From Forest Floor to Firepit: Scotland’s Wild Food Festival Returns with a Focus on Responsible Foraging, Boozy Botany and Coastal Flavours.
READ MORE
Paisley Food and Drink Festival returns next weekend with a supersized celebration
Paisley Food and Drink Festival returns on Friday 25th and Saturday 26th April for its biggest event yet with an extended site and more vendors than ever before!
READ MORE
Trusts join forces to explore complexities of the Battle of Culloden
The National Trust for Scotland and the National Trust have teamed up to give an insight into the complexity of the Battle of Culloden in a pair of podcasts this April.
READ MORE
Love Your Lawn with Dobbies
Dobbies Garden Centres is hosting a very special FREE Grow How event in stores across the UK this May in partnership with Alzheimer's Research UK to mark Dementia Action Week.
READ MORE
Exclusive child planting event in honour of National Childrens Gardening Week
Dobbies Garden Centres are celebrating National Children's Gardening Week by welcoming families along to its Children's Planting and Afternoon Tea experience on Saturday 31st May.
READ MORE
BBC Introducing comes to TRNSMT Festival, bringing 20 rising stars
Rockstar Energy presents TRNSMT has announced the BBC Introducing Stage, previously River Stage, will showcase 20 of the most exciting emerging artists in the country.
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links