26/08/2026
Young musicians will have the opportunity to form bands and prepare for a live performance within five days in a new unique workshop provided by Tolbooth Stirling.
The ‘Gig in a Week’ project is aimed at young people between S1-S6 and is an exciting new addition to the many creative learning opportunities offered at Tolbooth.
As part of the project, young people work alongside music industry professionals over the course of a week to write original songs, learn about aspects of live music including lighting and stagecraft. The programme culminates with a real, youth-led gig put on by the participants at Tolbooth, which was recently named Local Live Music Venue of the Year at the Scottish Hospitality Awards.
The initiative also dives into the promotional side of music, including photography and gig promotion.
The first Gig in A Week which took place in July was a resounding success with young participants giving rave reviews about their experience of working alongside former BBC Introducing presenter and producer Ally McCrae and Janine Shilstone, lead singer of the rock group, Vukovi.
Ally McCrae said: “Being involved with ‘Gig in a Week’ was a pleasure, it's amazing to see something like this existing for Stirling's young aspiring music makers, and potential industry professionals. Getting the space and time, for free, to play, to make connections, to learn and hopefully be inspired about other sides of the industry is so important to help readdress the vast economic inequalities in who gets to make music a career.”
Janine Shilstone said: “I had an incredibly rewarding experience being a tutor for ‘Gig in a Week’. Not only was the venue and facilities industry standard but also the organisers and the support staff were extremely helpful, friendly, professional and organised.
To see what the participants achieved in a week was so satisfying to witness. I imagine it will be an experience they’ll remember for a long time as well as the skills and tips they picked up.”
Finance, Economy and Culture Convener, Cllr Gerry McLaughlan said: “The Gig in a Week project is an exciting opportunity for young people with a passion for music to gain real-life experience of the workings of the music industry by learning from professionals who have worked alongside some of the best names in the country.
“Tolbooth Stirling continues to offer fantastic creative learning projects for young people including the popular, Tolbooth Youth Voices and Pump Up the Jam, which foster a positive environment for young people to thrive, develop new skills and grow in confidence.”
Gig in a Week will take place again over the October break, running from 12-15 October from 10am-4pm and on 16 October from 1.30pm-8pm. Spaces are free but limited so sign-up is essential and can be done at www.stirlingevents.org where spaces can be booked soon. To be notified when spaces are available please email the Tolbooth box office at [email protected] to join the mailing list.
Tolbooth Youth Voices is a free weekly singing group aimed at primary school aged children who want to sing in a fun, no-pressure environment, and is supported by YMI funding.
Pump Up the Jam is a weekly songwriting group aimed for young people aged 11-18 aimed at gearing musicians towards creating their own original music which operates on a pay what you can, suggested price model.
Full details of these programmes and how to get involved, as well as other events opportunities at Tolbooth Stirling are available at www.stirlingevents.org.
https://dmscdn.vuelio.co.uk/publicitem/f1591e6d-dbb3-4121-bbf9-f2cf33bfaf81
The official website for events at Tolbooth and Albert Halls in Stirling, Scotland.
