No Stirling Summer Sessions return in 2025 as organisers target 2026 gigs
The organisers of this year’s Stirling Summer Sessions have announced that the event will not be returning to the city in 2025. The four-day music extravaganza took place earlier this summer, attracting tens of thousands of music enthusiasts to City Park near Stirling Castle to enjoy performances from renowned artists such as Shania Twain, Sir Tom Jones, James Arthur, Busted, Loreen, and Young Fathers.
Despite the success of this year’s event and the positive feedback from local businesses and leaders regarding its impact on the city, organisers DF Concerts have confirmed that the Summer Sessions will be taking a break next year. However, there is optimism for the event’s return to Stirling in 2026.
A spokesperson for the Summer Sessions stated, “The Stirling Summer Sessions were incredible and brought a wide, diverse audience to Stirling to see some amazing artists. Unfortunately, we will not be hosting the event next summer but would hope to be back in 2026.”
Following the Summer Sessions, veteran DF Concerts promoter Geoff Ellis expressed satisfaction with how the inaugural event unfolded. Ellis commented, “Hosting such a huge line-up – including the incredible Shania Twain, who played to over 20,000 enthusiastic fans after her memorable legends slot at Glastonbury – was truly a highlight for everyone involved and something very special for the area.”
Stirling City Park, with its backdrop of the historic Stirling Castle, provided a picturesque setting for the live music festival. The event marked an expansion of the popular Summer Sessions series into a new city, with Glasgow and Edinburgh being regular fixtures, along with other venues across the UK.
Local business leaders reported a significant increase in footfall at the city’s establishments during the event, with a 51.1 per cent rise in visitors and substantial sales growth reported by businesses.
While it has been confirmed that there will be no Summer Sessions in Stirling in 2025, Stirling Council remains optimistic about the event’s potential return in 2026. A council spokesperson stated, “We can confirm that Summer Sessions won’t be held in Stirling in 2025 but remain in close contact with organisers, DF Concerts, and are optimistic that we will welcome the concert series back in 2026.”
The Summer Sessions not only showcased Stirling City Park as a prime venue for large-scale events but also generated interest in hosting other events at the location in the future.
In conclusion, while music fans will have to wait until 2026 for the Stirling Summer Sessions to potentially return, the impact of this year’s event has left a positive impression on both attendees and the city of Stirling.