Robert the Bruce roared back in to Dunfermline this week with rather more horsepower under him than he was ever used to.
Dunfermline’s famous king visited his old stomping ground with Celtic singer Karen Matheson to launch this year’s extended Bruce Festival.
Running from August 19 to 29, the festival is a celebration of the life of the Scottish hero, presenting world class Scottish musicians Dougie MacLean, Capercaillie singer Karen Matheson and Dick Gaughan in concerts for Robert the Bruce Myths and Legends at Dunfermline Abbey.
The concerts are to be followed by sunset tours of the ancient abbey and palace, amid a spectacular Son et Lumiere.
The evening performances are produced by Unique Events using the breathtaking backdrop of the abbey for music, storytelling and a few surprises along the way.
On August 28 and 29 Pittencrieff Park will be the setting of Robert the Bruce Live!
The glen will pulse with the rhythm of kings of Celtic rock Saor Patrol and showcase medieval camp life with hand-to-hand fighting from movie stunt performers Combat International, who arrive in Dunfermline fresh from the set of Ridley Scott’s latest Robin Hood movie.
There will also be battle re-enactments, an international street market, children’s battles and much more for all the family.
Robert the Bruce is buried in Dunfermline Abbey, under the tower that bears his name, and the town has for some years celebrated this historical connection.
Previous festivals have attracted thousands of visitors.
Thanks to a grant from EventScotland, organisers Dunfermline Delivers have this year added the three concerts and Son et Lumiere to the Bruce celebration.
EventScotland’s chief operating officer Paul Bush said, “The Bruce Festival celebrates Scotland’s history, heritage and culture and appeals to locals, Scots and tourists from around the world.
“The festival attracts thousands of people to Dunfermline and the extended programme this year, including the concerts and Son et Lumiere, funded by EventScotland, will without doubt be one of the highlights of the year long programme of events, Celebrating Fife 2010.
“Cultural events like the Bruce Festival are brilliant drivers for domestic and international tourism and raise the profile of Scotland’s many attractions ensuring they, and the areas they belong to, continue to thrive.”
Fife Council is also supporting the Bruce Festival as part of Celebrating Fife 2010.
Dunfermline Delivers chief executive Susan Hughes said the festival was timed to link in with other international events such as the Edinburgh Festival.
“We are confident that such a range of entertainment for families, local and international visitors will really put Dunfermline on the map as a place to visit and enjoy,” she said.
Tickets for the concerts and Son et Lumiere are on sale at www.visitdunfermline.com/brucefestival and Robert the Bruce Live! in Pittencrieff Park is free to attend.
News about The Bruce Festival is on Facebook and on Twitter @DunfermlineBID.