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12 July 2017

Stirling Festival set to bring Scotland's history to life

Historic Environment Scotland (HES) today (Wednesday 12 July) revealed the action-packed programme for the new History Live festival taking place in Stirling later this year.

Costumed performers and children in the Queen Anne Garden
Partners from across Scotland's heritage and tourism sectors are working with HES to coordinate the weekend of entertainment from Friday 29 September to Sunday 1 October in venues across the city.
As part of the Year of History, Heritage and Archaeology, History Live will invite inquisitive visitors and fun-seeking families to step back in time with a series of activities set to fully immerse visitors in Scotland’s past.
Gillian Macdonald, Head of Sales & Marketing at HES, said: “We’re so excited to be staging the History Live festival this autumn which will allow visitors to touch, feel and even taste the past thanks to a diverse programme of demonstrations, displays and live performances.
History Live promises to bring the past alive like never before with activities for all ages. We’ve lined up a feast of history and heritage events for the whole family to get stuck into, from walking tours, art exhibitions and foodie stalls, to battlefield re-enactments, War on the Home Front workshops and archery sessions."
Local music groups and renowned playmakers staged performances at the programme launch event, giving a flavour of the weekend-long festivities set to shine a spotlight on Scotland’s history later this year.
Costumed performer with a sword and children at Stirling Castle

Gillian added: “The main focus of the festival is to showcase Scotland’s rich heritage to the world, and we can’t wait to share our history with visitors and locals alike.”
Boasting a packed programme of events, performances and exhibitions, highlights of the festival include:
  • Performances from youth orchestra Glasgow Philharmonia and the Big Noise at the Raploch
  • Interpretive dance performance ‘Coal’ based on Scotland’s mining heritage
  • Gruesome Games and the Weapons Tent from the National Wallace Monument
  • Walking tours at Stirling’s oldest prehistoric cemetery and a chance to play on one of the world’s oldest bowling greens
Partners involved in History Live include:
  • Stirling Council
  • The National Trust for Scotland
  • VisitScotland
  • Glasgow Philarmonia
  • Sistema Scotland
  • The National Wallace Monument
  • Destination Stirling
  • Stirling Walking Tours
  • Stirling Smith Art Gallery and Museum
  • Macrobert Arts Centre
  • Church of the Holy Rude
  • Cowane’s Hospital Trust
  • Stirling Arcade
  • Thistles Centre
  • Bannockburn House Trust
  • TOPFest
  • Deanston Distillery

About Historic Environment Scotland (HES)

Year of History, Heritage and Archaeology 2017

2017 is the Year of History, Heritage and Archaeology (HHA), a year that will celebrate Scotland’s people, our distinct culture and traditions, our historic landscapes, attractions and icons as well as our hidden gems and amazing stories. From World Heritage Sites to ancient monuments, listed buildings to historic battlefields, cultural traditions to our myths, stories and legends, 2017 is the year to explore Scotland’s fascinating past. This is a Scottish Government initiative being led by VisitScotland and a variety of partners.

Get involved on Twitter with #HHA2017

Year of History, Heritage and Archaeology 2017 logo

Follow Historic Environment Scotland

Twitter: @HistEnvScot | @welovehistory 

Facebook: @HistoricEnvScotland | @VisitHistoricScotland

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For further information

Barry McPherson
Historic Environment Scotland Media Office
Direct Line: 0131 668 8097
Mobile: 07813 357 722
barry.mcpherson@hes.scot

Heather Marston
3x1 Public Relations
Direct Line: 0131 225 7700
hmarston@3x1.com

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