All the fun of the fair will return to Kirkcaldy this week as the Links Market comes to town.
Thousands of revellers will descend on the waterfront for six days of thrills and excitement in one of the highlights of the town’s entertainment calendar.
The funfair, which can trace its origins to the 14th century, will open to the public on Wednesday afternoon. Alex James Colquhoun, of the Showmen’s Guild, said this year’s event will be as spectacular as ever.
“We’ve got two new rides this year Atmosphere and Voodoo Dancer as well as all the other favourites,” he said.
“The Links Market is huge for showmen as it traditionally marks the start of our season in Scotland.
“We’re all aware of its history. It goes back to my great-grandparents and to think that we are lining up on the same streets as our relatives is very special.”
As many as 200,000 revellers will flock to the esplanade this week to enjoy the white-knuckle rides, stalls and amusements.
Believed to be the longest funfair in Europe at over a mile long, the Links Market is being brought to the Lang Toun by the Showmen’s Guild for the 709th time.
“Last year was my first as chairman and people from the flats, that you get to know over the years, were asking for photographs,” Mr Colquhoun added.
“When I was growing up we always used to polish the rides and get them looking extra shiny for the Links Market. It’s a great event.
“The message that I want to get across is that I hope the Links Market still means as much to the people of Kirkcaldy as it does for the showmen.”
Throughout the duration of the fair, a number of traffic restrictions will be put in place in and around the waterfront area. A stretch of the Esplanade has already been sealed off to vehicles as rides and amusements are setup.
This closure will remain in place until next Wednesday, with diversions at Nicol Street and Abbotshall Road also in place until then.