DUNFERMLINE will be transported back to medieval times this weekend for the return of the King.
The Bruce Festival is back on Saturday and Sunday with huge crowds expected to commemorate the 750th anniversary of the birth of one of Scotland's greatest heroes.
King Robert the Bruce ruled from 1306 to 1329 and is, of course, most famous for defeating the English at the Battle of Bannockburn.
Synonymous with Dunfermline, he was buried in the Abbey, and the two-day festival will see jousting tournaments, battle re-enactments, a kids fancy dress costume competition, and a medieval village.
There will also be a variety of food vendors, including a beer tent run by The Old Inn.
Billy George, director of Visit Dunfermline, commented: “The amount of work that goes into these events is incredible, so I’d like to give out a massive shout to Sandy Sewell, Angela Connell and John Simpson for their diligence and determination.
"Without them, getting this project off the ground would not have been possible.
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“I’d also like to thank the Carnegie Dunfermline Trust, Fife Council (including the area committee), Shirley-Anne Somerville MSP and the Lottery for all their support. They also made this happen.
"Now, all we need is the weather to stay dry so that families and individuals can enjoy the festival without getting soaked. The forecast now is good, so fingers crossed.”
A free shuttle bus service, courtesy of the vintage bus museum at Lathalmond, will be provided all day from the Leys Park Road car park to take visitors to and from the festival.
Each day the opening ceremony will take place at 10am with the brass band starting at 10.30am and Les-Amis jousting from 11.15am.
Children will be able to take part in a battle re-enactment at noon. There will also be a chance for crowd participation at the Schiltron army training at 12.45pm.
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Falconry will take place at 3.45pm and the closing ceremony will begin at 4.15pm.
Angela Connell said: “We would encourage people to use the shuttle bus service as car parking spaces are hard enough to come by on a normal day, never mind when a large event is on.
"Of course, we would also recommend that local people come on foot and use local bus services.
“If you are going to park in the Glen car park, please use designated spaces only, as parking tickets may be issued if you do not.”
The Bruce 750 Festival is free to attend and runs from 10am to 5pm on Saturday and Sunday at Pittencrieff Park.
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