Photo: Laura Fyfe

Our theme for 2024 is ‘Roots & Rituals’.

Inspired by our theme of Roots & Rituals we are holding events across Stirlingshire, together with photographers, writers, musicians, story tellers and artisans. As this year is Stirling's 900th year as a Royal Burgh, we have an exciting programme of exhibitions, workshops, talks and photo walks, crafted to celebrate the people and the place.

We're delighted to have new partners in locations across rural Stirlingshire, including at the Old Mill at Killin and West Moss-Side Farm, Thornhill. Closer to the city we are delighted to be hosted this year by Stirling County Rugby Club and the Meadowpark, Bridge of Allan.

Again we are supported by long-term partners, including The Barracks Conference Centre, the Tolbooth, Street Level Photoworks, The Smith Art Gallery and Museum, Made in Stirling, the Macrobert Arts Centre and the Art Collection at the University of Stirling.

See our 2024 photography exhibition trail, featuring work from festival memebers and volunteers, along with renowned photographers such as Margaret Mitchell here.

Our 2024 Festival Programme

3RD AUG – 28TH SEP, TUE – SAT

10AM – 5PM

‘WHAT PRESENCE: THE MUSIC PHOTOGRAPHY OF HARRY PAPADOPOULOS’

Discover more about this exciting exhibition here

Friday 30th August

11am - 12:30pm

The Barracks Conference Centre, Stirling

Home - A Portrait of New Scots

Two photographers explore the concept of home, roots and rituals, capturing what is home & what does it mean to us?

Finished

Wednesday 4th September

6:30pm - 8:30pm

The Tolbooth, Jail Wynd Stirling FK8 1DE

Keeping the Stories Alive

Immerse yourself in Stirling's pre & post-punk period with band members, managers, authors & music aficionados featured in our exhibition.

Finished

Thursday 5th September

6pm - 8:30pm

Old Mill, Main Street Killin FK21 8XE

'dùthchas’ opening event

An exhibition of photographs by Tom Astbury celebrating the 300th anniversary of Duncan Bàn MacIntyre.

Finished

Friday 6th September

6pm - 8:30pm

The Smith Art Gallery and Museum, 40 Albert Pl, Stirling, FK8 2RQ 40 Albert Place Stirling FK8 2RQ

The Cottingley Fairies

Join photographer Gregg McNeill for an insight into the story of the most infamous photographs ever taken.

Finished

Friday 6th September

6pm - 8pm

The Smith Art Gallery and Museum, 40 Albert Pl, Stirling, FK8 2RQ

Light and Shade, Tradition and Change

Join artist Mark Leslie in conversation with Dr Heather Carroll, Events and Exhibitions Officer at Stirling's Smith Art Gallery and Museum.

Finished

Saturday 7th September

7pm - 8:30pm

Made In Stirling, 44 King Street Stirling FK8 1AY

Roots & Rituals Exhibition Trail Exhibition Opening and Launch Event

Join us at Made in Stirling for the opening of Lenswork & the launch of our Exhibition Trail, a citywide celebration of local photographers.

Finished

Thursday 12th September

7pm - 8:30pm

Stirling County Rugby Football ClubCausewayhead Road Stirling FK9 5AP

Capturing the Spirit of Rugby

Join Bryan Robertson on his 18 year journey from Stirling County RFC club photographer to Murrayfield & the Rugby World Cup in France 2023.

Finished

Saturday 14th September

10am - 5pm

West Moss-side Organic Farm Thornhill FK8 3QJ

From Darkroom to Digital.... an open day at West Moss-Side

Meet like-minded creatives in a series of photo talks, Q&As & demos presented by local photographers Richard Fox, Tim Black & Michael Prince

Finished

Sunday 15th September

11am - 12pm

The Meadowpark, 56 Kenilworth Road Bridge of Allan FK9 4RY

Nurturing Your Creative Roots - Developing Skills and Your Personal Style

Wayne will consider how his culture and experiences shape his photography, inviting you to reflect on what influences your style & approach.

Finished

Sunday 15th September

12pm - 1pm

The Meadowpark, 56 Kenilworth Road Bridge of Allan FK9 4RY

Solargraphy and Pinholes

Have fun making your own solargraph camera

Finished

Sunday 15th September

1:15pm - 2:45pm

The Meadowpark, 56 Kenilworth Road Bridge of Allan FK9 4RY

From Ground to Sky: The Rituals of Drone Photography

Join Thomas, The Kilted Photographer, famed for his awe inspiring aerial footage, and learn about drone- craft through his stunning images.

Finished

Tuesday 17th September

6:30pm - 9pm

The Engine Shed, Forthside Way Stirling FK8 1QZ

Capturing Moments

Two speakers explore their documentary photography; from the first images taken after the GSA fire, to the peace wall & the Firth of Forth.

Saturday 21st September

10am - 12pm

Macrobert Arts Centre, University of Stirling Stirling FK9 4LA

Wee Mad Beasties

Join macro-photographer David Hamilton as he shares the intricate world of the very small and reveals the beauty of mini ecosystems.

Saturday 21st September

12:30 - 1:30pm

Macrobert Arts Centre, University of Stirling Stirling FK9 4LA

In and Around Campus

Explore the campus of the University of Stirling through the lens of Peter Hancock in a talk about his approach & an exhibition of his work.

Saturday 21st September

1:30pm - 4:15pm

Macrobert Arts Centre, University of Stirling Stirling FK9 4LA

Ancient Rites and Hidden Herbals

Explore the grounds of Airthrey Castle with herbalist & storyteller Amanda Edmiston & curate your personal photographic herbal medicine bag.

Sunday 22nd September

1:30pm - 4:15pm

Old Mill, Main Street Killin FK21 8XE

Exploring the 'dùthchas’ of Duncan Bàn McIntyre

Celebrating poet Duncan Bàn McIntyre, meet artist Tom Astbury at his exhibition and on to Glen Lochay the landscape that inspired them both.

Wednesday 25th September

1:30pm - 2:30pm

University of Stirling Pathfoot Building Stirling FK9 4LA

Margaret Mitchell: Six Works

Margaret will reflect on her storytelling practice and the responsibility and ethics in representing the lives of others through photography

Sunday 29th September

5pm - 8:30pm

Stirling Rowing Club, 1 Queenshaugh Drive Stirling FK8 1XA

Our Roots are in the River

Enjoy magnificent vistas of Stirling from the banks of the River Forth & hear of it's importance in the history of the city with Andy McEwan

Do more than just click

Our festival is only possible with the help or supportive community. Become a friend of the festival and help us deliver a program that builds community, fosters creativity and develops skills.

Photo: Charles Mcguigan