Shania Twain rounds out Summer Sessions in Stirling as thousands file into city

Canadian country legend Shania Twain closed out the first Summer Sessions in Stirling in spectacular fashion on Tuesday night.

The gig was the last of four to take place at the City Park in the shadow of Stirling Castle, with thousands of fans making their way through the gates across the event to enjoy sets from some of the biggest names in music.

Stirling was abuzz was music fans of all ages ahead of the big final night, with cowboy hats and boots galore in evidence across the city’s pubs and bars before the action kicked off.

Australian star - and former Neighbours actress - Delta Goodrem started things off with her set of hits, before the booming tones of Rag’n’Bone Man got the crowd warmed up for the arrival of Shania.

Fresh off a performance in the ‘legends’ slot on Saturday afternoon at Glastonbury, she didn’t disappoint - running through all of her top hits to a crowd more than eager to sing along.

Following her headline gig, Shania said on her social media: “Scotland - that was incredible!

“Playing in front of the beautiful 800+ year old Stirling Castle felt very magical and I had to mark the occasion of course - an iconic kilt for an iconic setting!! Tartan meets leopard print, made by the talented Siobhan Mackenzie.”

Stirling became the eighth UK city to host the Summer Sessions event and the third in Scotland after successful events in both Glasgow and Edinburgh.

The week kicked off on Thursday with pop sensation James Arthur entertaining the drenched masses on the first night, with able support from double Eurovision winner Loreen, Kilmarnock alt-rockers Fatherson and Britain’s Got Talent star Cammy Barnes.

Next up, it was time for a slice of pop-punk as Busted gave the Stirling crowds a taste of the ‘Year 3000’ with a headline set, backed up by The Darkness, Dadi Freyr, Soap and Muddy Elephant.

Young Fathers then enhanced their reputation as one of the music scene’s most exciting live performers with their largest ever headline show - with Self Esteem, Noname, Callum Easter and Petite Noir helping to round out the gig.

Finally, there was a slice of music royalty on Sunday evening, with Beverley Knight and headliner Sir Tom Jones showing off their trademark vocals to delight the crowds.

One of those who enjoyed Sir Tom’s performance was local DJ John Pryde, who commented after the gig: “An incredible concert from a man whose talent and life journey was so evident in what was quite simply a masterclass of song, vocal performance and showmanship.

“Tom Jones is a legend and to have him perform in Stirling with our castle as his backdrop was fantastic.

“A real credit to all those in Stirling Council and DF Concerts for making this happen and all the Summer Sessions which have put our wee city on the map.

“Beverley Knight too, was sensational.”