m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=1256869844470463&id=439469092877213Polish paratroopers training at Dumbarnie Links and Shell Bay 1940
DEFEND FIFE WORLD WAR II FESTIVAL
Saturday 3rd & Sunday 4th August 2019
In 2019, ``Defend Dunfermline`` grew bigger into ``Defend Fife``.
Last year, the festival aimed to attract 5000 people and was a fantastic display of Dunfermline & West Fifes WW2 military history.
The 2018 festival featured many fun and exciting activities for all ages.
The event began with a Parade through Dunfermline High Street on the Saturday with dignitaries, veterans, Cadets & Re-enactors with a wreath laying at the Dunfermline Garden of Remembrance.
The main Festival was expanded to a big new exhibition venue, Lathalmond – also the site of the Scottish Vintage Bus Museum & The Lathalmond Railway Museum.
The event programme also included military displays, traditional Scottish and Polish music, war games and exhibitions.
Each of the days saw re-enactors stage an exciting invading raid by enemy paratroopers.
For the 2019 event, some exciting news will be announced soon!
A great day out for families and anyone interested in military stuff, especially WW2.
Festival
The festival, which aimed to attract 5000 people in 2018, is back again. This year, the event will explore more of 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?
After the success of last year at Lathalmond, the Festival has expanded again and will take place in Pittencrieff Park. There will also be indoor exhibitions in the Glen Pavillion.
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.
