We are delighted to be backing Stirling’s bid to become the UK City of Culture 2025!

In October last year, Stirling was announced by the UK Government as one of eight places to make the longlist for the City of Culture 2025 title. It is the only place in Scotland on the list and momentum is now building in the city as we approach the announcement of the winner in Spring 2022.

Here at Sistema Scotland, Stirling will always be a special place. It is not only the home of our first ever Big Noise programme in Raploch, but also our Big Noise brass programme in Fallin. In both of these communities, much like all of those in which we operate, we’ve seen extraordinary creativity, ambition and resilience. 

We welcome this recognition of Stirling’s cultural offer and we are hopeful that this will bring some well deserved attention and investment to the city and our community members. 

Stirling has long been on the map for its heritage and landscape, so we are now looking forward to working with our partners and local communities to showcase its dynamic culture and creative spirit.

Nicola Killean OBE, Chief Executive of Sistema Scotland, said: "We know first hand the transformational impact culture and arts can have on communities, so we’re thrilled that Stirling is in the running for UK City of Culture 2025. Big Noise Raploch opened in 2008 and since that time we have worked closely with the people of Stirling to ensure that music, nurturing relationships and the power of creativity has improved lives and strengthened communities here and across Scotland. We have seen up close the warmth, energy and passion of the people of Stirling and we know they are ready to share this with the rest of the UK and beyond! The bid for the UK City of Culture 2025 is a chance to showcase Stirling’s dedication to culture as truly inclusive and transformative for everyone.”

We hope you’ll join us as we continue to make a big noise for Stirling in the months ahead!

Find out more about Stirling’s bid at: www.stirling2025.com