Inaugural Winterlight festival hailed as a huge success
Stirling's first-ever Winterlight festival has been hailed as a big success following a series of sold-out concerts held at the Albert Halls that attracted fans from across the globe.
Article Source: Stirling Council
Last Updated: 14 January 2026 12:51
Some of the best acts in Scotland in addition to young and upcoming local musicians were featured at Winterlight, including headline performances from Skerryvore, Mànran and Elephant Sessions as well as Kinnaris Q, Beluga Lagoon and Maria McAveety.
A total of just over 2,500 people attended across five days of music held between 27-31 December culminating in the annual Big Ceilidh led by the Katie Allen Trio.
The festival provided a timely boost to tourism and the local economy, with concertgoers coming from as far afield as Germany, the United States and Australia.
It has been confirmed that Winterlight will return in 2026 with acts to be confirmed later in the year.
Stirling Council leader, Cllr Susan McGill said: “Winterlight has been a resounding success in bringing the best in Scottish music to Stirling while providing a spotlight to 40 of our most talented local musicians in what I hope will become a firm fixture in our winter events calendar.
“Many of the acts have featured either on national television or performed at the largest venues in Scotland a matter of days apart from stepping onto the stage at the Albert Halls. The profile of Winterlight and Stirling as a vibrant live music destination will only continue to grow as we attract the biggest names in Scottish music.
“The period between Christmas and New Year can often feel disorienting and this new music festival offers a new attraction for residents and visitors to Stirling which in turn gives an additional shot in the arm to our local economy at a key time of year.”
Jill Grant, Director of Sales at the Stirling Court Hotel said: “Occupancy averaged 93.75% over the five-day winter music festival, with over 50% of our customers attending one of more of the headline events. We even had one of the bands staying in the hotel and our receptionist was given the task to watch the instruments whilst they checked in!
“Stirling traditionally sees increased visitor stay demand around Hogmanay and New Year events, so adding a structured music festival over five nights likely boosted overnight stays compared with the quieter post-Christmas period seen in some years.”
VisitScotland’s Regional Director, Lynsey Eckford, said: “Events play an important role in encouraging people to visit during the winter months and it’s really positive to hear that the new Winterlight festival brought many people into the Stirling area over the festive period.
“Tourism and events are vital for the visitor economy all year round. They support businesses and jobs, and help bring communities together through shared, memorable experiences.”
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