The Church of the holy rude

This September, prepare for a one-of-a-kind musical experience in one of Scotland’s most historic and atmospheric settings.

On Friday 20th September 2025, Symphonix Rock Orchestra will perform live at the Church of the Holy Rude in Stirling, a sacred space steeped in over 800 years of Scottish history. This isn’t just another gig. It’s a full sensory experience where modern symphonic rock collides with medieval majesty.

Founded in 1129 by King David I, the Church of the Holy Rude is the second oldest building in Stirling, after the castle. Though the original church was destroyed by fire in 1405, the current structure was rebuilt throughout the 15th and early 16th centuries, its nave, south aisle, oak-beamed roof, tower, and chancel coming together to form one of the most impressive surviving examples of Gothic church architecture in Scotland.

And now, for one unforgettable evening, those historic walls will come alive with the dramatic soundscape of strings, drums, electric guitars and soaring vocals.

The Church of the Holy Rude is no ordinary venue, it’s the only church in the UK apart from Westminster Abbey to have hosted a royal coronation and still operate as a working church.

It was here, on 29 July 1567, that the infant King James VI of Scotland (who later became James I of England) was crowned in a Protestant ceremony, just days after the forced abdication of Mary, Queen of Scots. The event was presided over by Bishop Adam Bothwell, with the fiery reformer John Knox preaching from the pulpit.

To perform in a space that once echoed with the footsteps of kings and the sermons of reformers adds a level of gravitas and atmosphere that few venues can rival.

What happens when you pair the raw power of rock with the spiritual majesty of a centuries-old church? You get something unforgettable.

Symphonix brings together the fire of electric guitar with the finesse of orchestral instrumentation, all delivered in an acoustic setting that was built for reverence and resonance. Expect epic covers of rock anthems, cinematic soundscapes, and spine-tingling arrangements that take on new life within this ancient space.

With candlelight illuminating historic stonework, and every note carrying through the high vaulted ceilings, this show will leave a lasting impression long after the final chord fades.

In recent years, the Church of the Holy Rude has embraced its role as both a place of worship and a cultural landmark. Following a new partnership with Stirling District Tourism in 2023, the venue now hosts guided tours, exhibitions, and select performances like this, offering fresh opportunities to experience its atmosphere and legacy.

Our show on September 20th will be a celebration of this dual spirit – honouring the past while creating something boldly modern and immersive.

Whether you're a music lover, a history enthusiast, or simply looking for a night out that’s unique, uplifting, and full of soul, this is the event for you.

🎟️ Tickets are available now – but capacity is limited, and demand is high for this landmark show. https://www.tickettailor.com/events/symphonixrockorchestra/1788056

Doors open: 7.00pmShow starts: 7.30pm

Come and be part of a truly historic night where the sacred and the symphonic meet under one stone roof.