Stirling Science Festival Lates at Tolbooth
Wednesday 21st October 2026
Stirling Science Festival introduces Science Lates
Overview
Stirling Science Festival introduces Science Lates
The range of sessions at Tolbooth will explore the following topics.
Artificial Intelligence and Sports Coaching – Talk
18:00 – 18:30 16+
Performing a sport well can be difficult and coaches are expensive. Recent developments in artificial intelligence provide an opportunity to build AI coaching systems that provide personal help and advice by watching you perform a sport or exercise. In this event, Professor Kevin Swingler from the University of Stirling will present some examples of AI assisted coaching before giving the audience an opportunity to try some simple movement exercises under the guidance of a live AI system.
The Swiftie Effect: What Can Pop Fandom Teach Us About Wellbeing? – Talk
18:30-19:00 16+
Over three nights of the Eras tour in Scotland, 220k Swifties marked the highest-attended gig in Scottish history. Friendship bracelets were exchanged, Loch Tay became Loch Tay Tay, and crowd energy registered as seismic activity. But why does screaming lyrics alongside 70k people feel so therapeutic? Often dismissed as trivial, what does the research say? In this talk, we’ll explore the science of connection and how fan spaces function as networks for belonging, identity, and wellbeing. Ultimately, what can Swifties can tell us about wellbeing in a fragmented digital life?
Playful Plants: Exploring Creativity & Wellbeing – Workshop
19:00 – 21:00 16+
Slow down, look closely and discover the science of wellbeing through plants, creativity and play. In this hands-on workshop, you’ll explore seasonal plants, experiment with handmade natural inks and create botanical drawings inspired by nature. You’ll also make your own botanical hand cream while learning about plant infusions and sensory science. No artistic experience is needed—just curiosity and a willingness to experiment. Leave with a sketchbook, botanical cream and practical techniques for relaxation, focus and nature connection.
Formula 1 Grand Prix – Talk
19:15 – 19:45 All Ages
Formula 1 motor racing is an important and exciting sport. In this short non-technical talk I will show how statistical reasoning can be used to understand this fast-moving and spectacular tournament.
scientific support dept & Bel Docherty Live Performance at Tolbooth Gallery
Doors at 19:15pm
19:30-20:30 16+
‘Carnival’ incorporates poetry by Stirling based craftsman and poet Harris Harrold, who’s practise is rooted in deep listening – particularly to young men who have few outlets for their struggles in a dis-united kingdom that has traded community for solitude and isolation. His words, a cry from the pit – human, raw and unadorned. What follows is the true architecture of the piece – the modular synth soundscape, initially cold and recursive, woven beneath fading echoes of Scottish festivals and pagan rites, remnants of a collective spirit now shattered, emerge treated pianos and meditative ambient guitars that invite curiosity, and perhaps ultimately, hope against the siege of loneliness in this stark and often uneasy composition.
Uncanny Harmonies: The Human Experience of AI-Generated Music – Talk
20:00 – 20:30 16+
Can a computer have a soul? With the rise of generative AI music apps like Suno and Udio, the boundary between human and machine creativity has blurred. This talk introduces the concept of the “audio uncanny valley” – that unsettling feeling we get when an AI track sounds almost human, but not quite. We’ll explore how our brains perceive AI music, examine the debates surrounding computational creativity, and ask what this means for the future of creativity. When an algorithm writes a hit song, who is the real artist, and how do we find meaning in AI music?
Flash-Infused Gin Lab (18+) at Tolbooth Cafe
Create your own custom gin and tonic using rapid infusion techniques and a selection of botanicals. Discover the science behind flavour extraction as you experiment with different ingredients and enjoy your unique creation. A perfect mix of science, creativity, and cocktail-making. 🍸🧪
Tolbooth
Jail Wynd
Stirling
FK8 1DE
- Opening Hours
- Getting Here
- Accessibility
- Food & Drinks
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Tolbooth Opening Hours
Box Office Opening Hours w/c 14th September:
Tuesday 15th 10-5pm
Wednesday 16th 10-5pm
Thursday 17th 10-8:30pm
Friday 18th 10-5pm
Saturday 19th 10-8:30pm
* From 5pm onwards for Evening Performance Customers Only.
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Tolbooth Map
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Accessibility
Our accessibility guides are available below for the Tolbooth.
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To find out more about our cafe and bar click below.
Frequently Asked Questions
Booking Terms and Conditions
Please Refer to Our – Venues Ticket T’s & C’s
When can we pick up tickets/what are box office opening hours?
Albert Halls
Box Office Opening Hours w/c 14th September:
Monday 14th 4:30-8:30pm
Thursday 17th 10-5pm
Friday 18th 10-8:30pm
Saturday 19th 10-8:30pm
Sunday 20th 10-8:30pm
* From 5pm Open For Evening Performance Customers Only.
Tolbooth
Box Office Opening Hours w/c 14th September:
Tuesday 15th 10-5pm
Wednesday 16th 10-5pm
Thursday 17th 10-8:30pm
Friday 18th 10-5pm
Saturday 19th 10-8:30pm
* From 5pm onwards for Evening Performance Customers Only.
We now use e-tickets; allowing ease/speed and customer flexibility when attending our events. Please note screengrabs of e-tickets will not be accepted.
Tickets can also be printed out at home or for a small £1 fee be printed out at Box Office.
Box office will remain open until 30 mins after the show begins.
For standing gigs, is there an accessible area?
We will have an accessible area, the location and capacity varies per event, please contact box office to book your tickets.
Please note – Accessible areas in our events are subject to demand and capacity, and should be booked in advance by contacting box office.
What time does the show start?
Usually approx. 30 mins after doors time but it can vary depending on the show.
What time does the show finish?
We don’t always have this info ahead of time, if you contact box office on the day we will advise on individual shows.
Is there a lift/disabled access?
There is a lift and an accessible entrance at both venues.
Accessible areas in our events are subject to demand and capacity, and should be booked in advance by contacting box office.
Can tickets be posted out?
We no longer post tickets and now use e-tickets; allowing ease/speed and customer flexibility when attending our events. These can be shown on your device. Please note screen shots of e-tickets will not be accepted.
Tickets do not need to be printed but can be done at box office for £1 or printed at home if you do not have a suitable device.
Where can we pick up tickets?
We now use e-tickets; allowing ease/speed and customer flexibility when attending our events. These can be shown on your device. Please note screen shots of e-tickets will not be accepted.
Tickets do not need to be printed but can be done at box office for £1 or printed at home if you do not have a suitable device.
How do I reach the venue via public transport?
Both Venues are a short walk from Stirling Bus Station, and Stirling Train Station.
Is there parking at the venue?
There is no general parking at The Albert Halls, on street parking is available nearby. At the Tolbooth you can use the Old Town Jail Car Park free of charge when attending an event.
Is there accessible parking at the venue?
There is limited accessible parking at the Albert halls with additional public disabled parking in Dumbarton Road. At the Tolbooth there is a public disabled parking space outside the venue, but it is out with our control. Please note that we unfortunately cannot reserve spaces for you at either of our venues.
If you require assistance contact box office and we can try to help.
Can we get a refund?
Tickets are non-refundable but if the show sells out we can attempt to resell them on your behalf.
Please read the full details on our Booking Terms and Conditions.
Is there a bar/can drinks be enjoyed at a show?
There is a bar at both venues and drinks can be taken in to shows.
The bar will be closed at an appropriate time to ensure customers are served and have taken their seats before the start of the show. This will also happen during the interval and will depend on how busy the bar is as to when the queue will be closed off.
We would recommend that if you are looking to purchase drinks before the show you should arrive early enough to be able to do this.
We don’t take orders for interval drinks.
Is there food available in the venue?
There is the Café Bar in the Tolbooth and The Albert Halls, for opening hours please check at Box Office.
Can children attend/age restrictions?
This varies per show and will be detailed on the event webpage. Box office can advise on individual shows
Please Note – we don’t apply a charge to ‘babes in arms’, essentially children that don’t require their own seat. Our definition of ‘babes in arms’ is 18 months or under.
Can we come in late?
This depends on the show, usually latecomers can be admitted at a suitable point in the show but this is not always the case
Who qualifies for a concession ticket price?
Concession’s are:-
*Over 60’s
*Disabled
*Unemployed
*Students / Children
Please Note – we don’t apply a charge to ‘babes in arms’, essentially children that don’t require their own seat. Our definition of ‘babes in arms’ is 18 months or under.
Are there any restrictions on dancing or standing for shows on at the Albert Halls?
For fully seated shows in the Albert Halls dancing is not allowed.
For standing events dancing must be at the side or at the back of the hall.
There is no standing in the front row of the balcony.
Accessible and (Carer) Tickets
A limited number of free carer tickets may be made available to customers, requiring additional support because of an accessible requirement or long-term health condition, as defined by the Equality Act (2010)
