First Stirling Fitness Festival a Hit with Residents

The sun shone for Stirling’s inaugural Fitness Festival which featured a host of fun activities including bike stunts, a bungee run and climbing wall.

Residents and visitors alike enjoyed the free family event organised by Go Forth Stirling, which runs the city’s Business Improvement District (BID), at venues across the city.

The Festival showcased more than 20 activities ranging from BMX and Skateboard Stunt displays by Team Extreme at Forthside to a Rodeo Bronco and Sumo Wrestling in the city centre.

It was organised by Go Forth Stirling as part of the BID’s remit to host events which encourage local people into the city centre and attract visitors from further afield.

The team at Go Forth are now seeking survey feedback from festival-goers about Saturday’s event which will help them shape future events including a possible re-run of the Fitness Festival.

Go Forth Stirling Manager Mags Fenner said: “We were lucky to have an amazingly sunny day for the Fitness Festival which was enjoyed by all who attended.

“We had some great feedback from families who had the opportunity to try out a variety of different activities and businesses have told us they loved seeing the city busy.”

Paula Demarco runs Italian restaurant La Ciociara in Friars Street where youngsters enjoyed having their faces painted during the Festival.

The street also played host to Sumo Suit Wrestling, a Football Shoot-Out and giant board games including Chess and Connect 4.

She said: “You could really feel the buzz about Stirling and that’s what it’s all about. 

“I could see people in the city with their families after the event and there was a really good feeling around – we need events like these more often.”

Highlights of the Festival included high-octane displays from Team Extreme’s professional riders who performed daredevil stunts and tricks on BMX bikes and skateboards in front of the Engine Shed at Forthside.

The bouncy castles, inflatable slide, Surf Simulator and assault course at Forthside also proved popular with adults and children alike.

Meanwhile in the city centre, residents and visitors took part in various activities from a Silent Disco at the Kilted Kangaroo pub to a Rodeo Bronco in Port Street which attracted 450 riders.

The popular Go Forth Landtrain was also a hit on the day taking passengers between the centre of Stirling and Forthside.

For more information about Stirling’s BID, which delivers projects and services aimed at improving the city’s trading environment to benefit businesses, shoppers and visitors, visit www.goforthstirling.co.uk