A step back in time!

After the inaugural event's success 12 months ago, Defend Fife is returning on an even bigger scale, with organisers hopeful of attracting crowds of up to 5,000 on Saturday and Sunday.

Organised by Forth Pilgrims, it sets out to tell the story of West Fife's military history during the conflict, with emphasis on the Home Guard and Polish army allies who defended against invasion.

After drawing 2,000 people to Dunfermline town centre in 2017, this year's festival has expanded to take in activities at Lathalmond, a former war depot that is currently the site of the Scottish Vintage Bus Museum, and Lathalmond Railway Museum.

On Saturday, Provost of Fife, Jim Leishman, and the Consul General of Poland will be among the dignitaries that will join veterans, cadets and re-enactors for a parade along the High Street that will concluded with a wreath-laying at the Garden of Remembrance.

Street theatre, Polish dancers and representatives from the Archive of the Institute of National Remembrance from Warsaw will also be present in the town centre, with the latter looking to find people who can share stories or artefacts of Polish soldiers who moved to Scotland.

At Lathalmond, to which free vintage shuttle buses will run every half-hour from Dunfermline Bus Station, re-enactors will stage an invading raid by enemy paratroopers at 1.30pm on both days, while visitors can also take a look at a mix of military displays, war games, exhibitions, an inflatable assault course and enjoy traditional Scottish and Polish music.

Roger Pickering, director of Forth Pilgrims, said: "The team from Poland are researching what happened to Polish people before and after the war, and last year we had people handing us stuff in the streets, like photos and postcards from Polish soldiers.

"Last year, we were just in the town centre but, this year, we're across two sites. There is a big interest; the guys bringing World War II vehicles are big enthusiasts and encouraged me to do something bigger!

"It's a family event and about community and appreciating what people did. It's a huge story and affected pretty much everyone's family in the western world, and in other parts too.

"It allows people to ask questions. For example, people will often say, 'My grandad was in the Home Guard but he didn't talk about it', so they'll ask what did he do or what did they wear? It's educational."

The High Street parade begins at 10.30am on Saturday, while events at Lathalmond – where there is free parking on site – run between 10am-4pm on both days.

Tickets, which include entry to the bus and train museums, costs £5 for adults, £3 for concessions and £12 for families. For more information, visit www.defendfife.com.