Big in Falkirk was a festival of the arts held inFalkirk,Scotland, from 2000 to 2009.^[1]

Since its inception in 2000, the award-winning (Scottish Thistle Award Events & Festivals 2005)^[2] free weekend event was one of the largest cultural events in Scotland, attracting over 100,000 people. Located in Falkirk’s historical 180-acre (0.73 km²) Callendar Park withCallendar House as the focal point, the entertainment included a wide variety of outdoor theatre, pyrotechnic displays, art, comedy and big name music acts alongside activities for all ages.

Big in Falkirk showcased original outdoor contemporary theatre, while also working closely with artists to nurture creativity.^[3] Festivals have included world premieres such asWalk the Plank’sSwan Song which closed Saturday’s proceedings in 2006. UK premieres have included Groupe F (the company responsible for illuminating theEiffel Tower during the millennium celebrations), Compagnie Jo Bithume, Plasticiens Volants and Teatre Osmego D’nia.

Alongside this, Big in Falkirk presented some of the most popular names in music having welcomedSnow Patrol,The Stranglers,Deacon Blue,Bob Geldof andMidge Ure. The festival also managed to secure acts just before they hit the big time, withMcFly,Orson andSandi Thom celebrating number one singles during or immediately after playing at Big in Falkirk.

Big in Falkirk 2007 was on Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 May and headlined byThe Human League andHeaven 17.

Big in Falkirk 2008 took place on Saturday 3 and Sunday 4 May and featuredLevellers,10cc, The Complete Stone Roses (aStone Roses tribute band), Hungry Ghosts,Peatbog Faeries,Day of Days,Nutkhut's Bollywood Steps and the world premiere ofThe World Famous' Full Circle, which closed the Festival.

Big in Falkirk 2009, the 10th edition, on Saturday 2 and Sunday 3 May and featuredStereo MCs andCapercaillie. Day of Days returned to become the first band to play in consecutive Big in Falkirk festivals. New and upcoming bands such as The Ray Summers, The Skinflints, Young Fathers as well as The Sears and Braebach showcased their music during the weekend. The Sunday night ended with a spectacular pyrotechnic show to celebrate 2009 as theHomecoming Year and to also dedicate the famous Scottish poet Robert Burns' 250th birthday with a special commendation toTam O' Shanter – one of Burns' best-known poems – and a piper brigade circling the courtyard of Callendar House. The Festival closed with a picture lit by fire to reveal a love heart around the portrait of Burns as fireworks painted thesaltire in the sky.

Big in Falkirk was canceled in 2010.^[4]

Big in Falkirk also worked with festivals such as Glasgow'sMerchant City Festival and Spain'sValladolid.^{[citation needed]}