Polish paratroopers marching past the Beach Hotel and what would become the Memorial Garden on Leven Promenade 1940
Polish paratroopers marching past the Beach Hotel and what would become the Memorial Garden on Leven Promenade 1940
DEFEND FIFE WORLD WAR II FESTIVAL
Saturday 29th & Sunday 30th September 2018
In 2018 ``Defend Dunfermline`` has grown bigger into ``Defend Fife``.
The festival, which attracted around 2000 visitors to Dunfermline Town Centre last year, looks to draw 5000 people into Dunfermline & West Fifes WW2 military history – Home Guard troops, alongside Polish Army allies in defending against Axis invasion (1939 – 44).
This year, the festival will feature many fun and exciting activities for all ages, including:
A Parade through Dunfermline High Street on the Saturday with dignitaries, veterans, Cadets & Re-enactors.
High Street 10am for 10:30 start. Wreath laying at Garden of Remembrance. Over by 11:30am
The main Festival has expanded to a big new exhibition venue, Lathalmond – also the site of the Scottish Vintage Bus Museum & The Lathalmond Railway Museum.
It will be open to the public on Saturday & Sunday from 10 am to 4 pm. Entry ticket £5 Adults. £3 Concessions. £12 Family.
Price covers your entry for both days! (ask us as leaving for wristband). Free parking on site.
Free Vintage Shuttle buses will run back and forward every half hour from Dunfermline Bus Station to the site, leaving from Stance 1.
The event programme also includes military displays, traditional Scottish and Polish music, war games and exhibitions.
Each of the days will see re-enactors stage an invading raid by enemy paratroopers [the Allies will surely win] at 1.30 pm.
Entry to the Bus & Train museums also included in the price.
A great day out for families and anyone interested in military stuff, especially WW2.
Festival
The festival, which attracted around 2000 visitors to Dunfermline Town Centre last year, looks to draw 5000 people into Dunfermline & West Fifes WW2 military history - Home Guard troops, alongside Polish Army allies in defending against Axis invasion (1939 - 44).
Content
It will feature many fun and exciting activities for all ages, including a parade through Dunfermline High Street with dignitaries, veteran groups, cadets and a pipe band. The event programme also includes military displays, traditional Scottish and Polish music, war games and exhibitions.
Where?
The Festival has expanded to include a big new exhibition venue, Lathalmond - also the site of the Scottish Vintage Bus Museum & The Lathalmond Railway Museum (just north of Dunfermline). Shuttle buses will run back and forward from Dunfermline Town Centre to the site.
Games
There will be fun games and activities on the day to help get all the family involved.
Secret Maps
We will have maps showing the secret war that went on in order to Defend Fife
Parade
A parade taking place in the town centre of Dunfermline to celebrate both the British Homeguard and Polish Army.
Live Music
On the day we will music and live performs that will help transform us back to WWII
Games
There will be fun games and activities on the day to help get all the family involved.
What is the Defend Fife Event?
Below is some key information to help highlight what the Defend Fife Event is all about.
What is it about?
Who is behind the event?
Discover the story of 1940s Dunfermline, which had its defenses strengthened in the war years against infiltration from enemy tanks and paratroopers. Investigate the recently unearthed confidential maps and plans, drawn up by the allied Polish armies, who were exiled to Scotland during World War II. These plans – which were an enforcement of the roadblocks, checkpoints and fighting positions created by Dunfermline’s home guard – were prepared in the result of ultimate invasion. The festival will retell this interesting story through the eyes of the Scottish and Polish soldiers who worked hard to ensure Fife remained protected.
About Forth Pilgrim Ltd – Offering live interpretation across heritage sites in Fife, Forth Pilgrim Ltd. delivers educational, inspiring and entertaining workshops and walks, primarily dealing with Medieval History. The organisation are a leading partner in driving forward a new tourist route for the region, the Fife Pilgrim Way.
