An all-star line-up is preparing to take part in Bannockburn Live, one of the most spectacular events to be staged in Scotland, writes Susan Welsh
Let battle commence could be the cry as thousands of visitors are immersed in history and culture during a special two-day festival commemorating the 700th anniversary of the Battle of Bannockburn.
As well as watching re-enactments of the battle, visitors will be able to enjoy the very best of Scottish folk music, food and drink.
Some of Scotland’s best-known musicians, writers, comedians, singer-songwriters, battle performers and clans are uniting for this one-off Scottish festival which takes place on Saturday and Sunday, June 28 and 29.
These include Celtic and folk music artists Julie Fowlis, Dougie MacLean, Karine Polwart and Rachel Sermanni who will lead over 300 performers taking part.
Capturing every essence of Scottish culture, the atmospheric Bannockburn battlefield in Stirling will be transformed into five distinct areas, each with its own unmissable flavour and excitement. They are:
1314 ENCAMPMENT
Step back in time to June 1314, to explore the bustling encampments and soak up the atmosphere, sights and sounds of mediaeval life. Witness armour and swords being made by the blacksmiths, smell the bread baking over fires in the outdoor kitchens, gasp as men are treated in hospital as they come off the battlefield, and speak to the warriors about their skills and strategies.
The battlefield and mediaeval encampments will be home to more than 300 warriors and camp followers to recreate the Battle of Bannockburn and live the life of 1314.
Battles will take place at noon, 2pm and 4pm. The battle enactments, which will be the biggest ever seen in Scotland, have been choreographed by Clanranald, famous for their work on Hollywood blockbusters such as Gladiator and Thor 2.
MUSIC ARENA
The stage will come to life with a top-quality mix of folk and contemporary music, including two of the country’s finest award-winning artists, Dougie MacLean (Saturday) and Julie Fowlis (Sunday). Performances take place daily from 11.15am until 6.45pm. Saturday’s guests include Rura, The Deadly Winters, Siobhan Wilson and Saor Patrol. Sunday’s line-up features the Treacherous Orchestra, Roddy Hart and the Lonesome Fire, Ross Ainslie and Jarlaith Henderson and Cask Strength Ceilidh Band.
STORYVILLE
A festival within a festival, Scotland’s culture and history will be told by a range of artists from writers to stand-up comedians and renowned singer-songwriters. Featured musicians include Karine Polwart and Rachel Sermanni on the Saturday and UK Folk Award 2014 Singer of the Year Bella Hardy and Idlewild frontman Roddy Woomble on the Sunday.
Authors Alistair Moffat and James Robertson will talk about their new books, while there will also be creative craft stalls and book signings.
LAND OF FOOD AND DRINK
Curated by Scotland Food and Drink, visitors can sample and savour delicious Scottish products, whiskies, real ales and more as well as meet the passionate producers behind them.
CLAN AND FAMILY VILLAGE
Around 40 clans from home and away will gather for this special occasion. Visitors can meander through the clan society and family community, talk to members and find out about their history and how they can get involved. Audiences can also uncover their own ancestry with ScotlandsPeople, the official genealogical resource for Scotland, with expert advice and demonstrations.
The festival also has a children’s programme featuring more than 100 storytellers, living historians, musicians, puppeteers, acting groups, battle performers, artists and musicians, all with the aim of inspiring children to explore a Mecca of Scottish and English mediaeval history.
From crown making to puppetry, mediaeval fashion to singing, archaeology to eagles, children of all ages will be encouraged to immerse themselves in 1314, uncovering what life would have been like for young people in the 14th century.
Fact box
What: Bannockburn Live – commemorating the 700th anniversary of the battle.
Where: Battle of Bannockburn heritage site, two miles from Stirling.
When: Saturday and Sunday, June 28 and 29.
Cost: adult £20, child £12.50, family (two adults and two children) £55, children under five go free.
Contact: www.bannockburnlive.com or buy tickets from visitor information centres in Scotland.