Building community connection in Cambusbarron

The Cambusbarron Community Events Group (CCEG) has been serving the close-knit community of Cambusbarron in Stirling since 2015. The group provides year-round events that bring families together and create opportunities for social interaction across generations.  

CCEG has evolved significantly over the past 10 years, growing from a small group of volunteers into a sophisticated events organisation that has become central to local community life. The organisation has developed strong partnerships with local stakeholders, including Cambusbarron Primary School and Nursery, Cambusbarron Village Nursery, and the local Co-op store, creating a network of support that amplifies the impact of their activities.

The programme of events has also continued grow from year to year and now includes an Easter treasure hunt, family bingo nights, a traditional village gala,  themed movie nights, Halloween parties and a range of Christmas events for all ages.  

To support the 2025 programme CCEG has been awarded a grant of £10,000 from the Cambusbarron Community Fund. Over the course of the year more than 1,500 residents are expected to come together for seasonal celebrations, family activities, and community gatherings. New to the programme this year will be a ‘Sparktacular Celebration’ for Bonfire Night with fireworks display and s’mores fire pit.

The grant will help to cover venue costs, equipment and catering, ensuring that these events remain affordable. With limited public transport links and rising costs of entertainment, these local events provide crucial social opportunities for families who might otherwise be excluded from such activities.

Learning from previous years, CCEG has begun offering more ‘children only’ events, allowing parents and carers some appreciated respite time. For children with additional support needs, smaller and quieter sessions are offered to make sure those who might find larger gatherings overwhelming still feel included.

Comments from parents whose children attended some of the 2024 events, show the significant difference the programme is making:

“It's so nice to be part of a wee community that does things like this to bring us together."

“Thanks to you all on behalf of my family. The kids had a blast at the movie fest and we also enjoyed the bingo night…Cambusbarron is lucky to have you.”

"We greatly appreciate what you do for the community and the amount of work and effort that goes into it."

Looking forward, the group is exploring ways to become progressively less reliant on grant funding through local business sponsorship and strategic negotiations with suppliers. A planned partnership with events management students at Forth Valley College will also create a steady stream of new volunteers and ideas.

CCEG illustrates how community events programmes can reduce isolation and strengthen the fabric of rural communities. Through building on early successes and with financial support from the Cambusbarron Community Fund, the group has established a foundation for continued positive impact for years to come. 

Read more about the Cambusbarron Community Fund