Stirling is gearing up for one of the city’s biggest ever celebrations as residents prepare for the 900th anniversary of the city this weekend. The Stirling 900 finale parade will be one of the biggest pipe band parades the city has ever seen and it will step off from Stirling Castle at 12pm on Saturday, March 29. Fittingly, around 900 people, including 350 musicians and local community groups and organisations, will march the iconic route from the castle through the city centre and over Stirling Bridge to Stirling Rugby Club at Bridgehaugh. It will feature pipe bands from all across the UK, including some military bands. Those taking part in the parade will then gather at Bridgehaugh for a large group photo. From there, drone footage will be captured where those in attendance will be gathered in a 900 shape on the rugby pitch. On Friday, a cultural celebration will be held at Stirling Castle, which is free to attend and has already sold out. It will feature activities and performances from top creative organisations, turning the iconic castle into an energetic spectacle Click here for more news and sport from the Stirling area. The evening is fully immersive with every corner of the castle featuring a wide range of activities for visitors to walk through and take in, including a performance from Scotland’s eminent aerial dance company, All or Nothing; a display of Japanese Taiko drumming and a silent disco. Various stalls and displays from local organisations will also feature throughout the evening, which will conclude with a concert. The council says it will also be announcing a special annual cultural celebration for Stirling, as part of the legacy of Stirling 900 on the night with a video projected onto the castle. Ahead of the celebration, Stirling Lord Provost, Elaine Watterson, said: “The finale parade will be a fitting way to cap a wonderful year of celebration for Stirling 900. “Our people and communities have shaped the development of Stirling over the decades and centuries and it’s only right they play a central role in our Saturday showpiece. “We look forward to seeing members of the public throng the streets on the parade route through some of the most iconic landmarks in the country, enjoying the spectacle of the pipe and military bands and our wonderful community groups and organisations. “Our people have made Stirling such a unique and welcoming place to live, work, entertain and enjoy. We look forward to coming together as one on March 29.” For more details on all the Stirling 900 finale events, including the FAQ on the pipe band parade, visit: https://www.yourstirling.com/whats-on/stirling-900-finale/ Click here for more news and sport from the Stirling area.