After an absence of a decade, the Bruce Festival is set to return to Dunfermline this summer – with organisers putting together a packed programme for the two-day event.

And the timing of the festival's return couldn't be better, with 2024 being the 750th anniversary of the birth of King Robert the Bruce, who led the Scots to victory against the English and secured Scotland's independence.

The festival will be held in Pittencrieff Park over the weekend of Saturday, June 1, and Sunday, June 2, running from 10am to 5pm both days, offering a range of activities and attractions that will take visitors back to medieval times.

Dunfermline Press:

Some of the highlights lined up for the festival include:

  • Staged pitch battles
  • Jousting by the renowned company Les Amis
  • Falconry displays
  • A storytelling tent
  • Musical performances
  • A large children’s funfair
  • An artisan market
  • A variety of food and beverage vendors

Visit Dunfermline is organising the festival with funding assistance from the Fife Council (Strategic Events Fund and Local Area Committee) and The Carnegie Trust.

Bill George, managing director of Visit Dunfermline, told the Press: "We are delighted to have the opportunity to revive this very popular festival and are extremely grateful for the support we’ve received so far.

"Dunfermline has a great offering with its astounding history and links to Robert the Bruce. Pittencrieff Park seemed like the obvious choice for holding the festival, and we hope that this will attract thousands of visitors from the local area and further afield.

"This is precisely the sort of event that can help firmly put Scotland’s newest city on the map."

In addition to the above events, there will be a re-enactment village where King Robert the Bruce's army and the historical figures associated with him offer a fascinating glimpse into medieval life and warfare.

Visitors to the battle camp will be able to immerse themselves in various aspects of this historical period, from meeting renowned knights like Sir Thomas Randolph and Sir James Douglas, to learning about trades and skills prevalent during that time.

Exploring the armour, weapons, and metalworking techniques of the era will provide insights into the craftsmanship and technology of medieval warfare. Understanding the roles of different guilds, such as the kitchen guild, fabrication guild, and scribe's guild, will offer a comprehensive view of the diverse skills and professions that supported a functioning of an army in medieval times.

The presence of King Robert's chief falconer will add another dimension to the experience, highlighting the importance of falconry and hunting in medieval society. Visitors will be able to learn about the birds used for hunting purposes and even interact with them, enriching their understanding of medieval life beyond the battlefield.

Dunfermline Press:

The battle performances scheduled throughout the day, including the reenactments of crucial historical events like the Battle of Bannockburn, will allow visitors to witness the strategies and tactics employed in medieval warfare.

The interactive nature of the morning skirmish involving junior volunteers will add a touch of excitement and engagement for attendees of all ages.

Overall, the medieval village is expected to offer a comprehensive and immersive experience for those interested in history, providing a glimpse into the life, culture, and warfare of King Robert the Bruce's time.

Billy added: "A lot is going on to suit all ages, and with free entry, it need not be an expensive family day out, as we know money is tight for many people right now.

"I want to thank the rest of the team – Sandy Sewell, Angela Connell and John Simpson – as without their efforts, it would not have been possible to make this happen."

Look out for further updates in the Press in the lead-up to the festival.