Fun in Fife come rain or SHINE

Families! Get ready for a fabulous summer in Fife. The region has all the ingredients for having a wonderful time...both indoors and out.

Fife is a fabulous place to be this summer. There are loads of festivals, fairs and fun family days planned across the region, so there’s sure to be something to tickle everyone’s fancy. Culture vultures (and those just up for some fun) should head to the East Neuk Festival, which runs from June 26-30 in a variety of locations across the picturesque region.

The heart of the festival is classical chamber music, but it also presents world, jazz, folk and electronica – and literature – in a range of quirky venues from caves to stately homes and gardens. This years marks the event’s 15th birthday.

eastneukfestival.com

Another must-visit is the Pittenweem Arts Festival, from August 3-11. One of Fife’s oldest festivals, it brings together an eclectic mix of local and invited artists to the lively fishing village, which attracts around 25,000 visitors each year. Enjoy a wander and browse art in some unusual venues. Entry is free. pittenweemartsfestival.co.uk

For all the fun of the fair, head to Burntisland Summer Fair which runs daily until August 18.

There are rides for both children and adults, stalls and more candy floss than you can shake a stick at.

Head to Bowhouse Farm at St Monans on the weekends of July 13 and 14 and August 10 and 11 for the fun Market Weekends.

You’ll find stalls selling locallysourced produce, shellfish and meat from artisan butchers, as well as craft drinks.

There will also be live food theatres and a children’s corner. bowhousefife.com

Crail Festival takes place from July 17-27 with a wide range of activities and events from sandcastle building to rock pool guddling, paper making, wizard and drama workshops, bake-off competitions, fossil hunts, folk music, art exhibitions, putting, falconry displays and more. crailfestival.com

Meanwhile, Anstruther Harbour Festival runs from July 19-21.

The festival is fun for all the family with food stalls and music and is a celebration of the town’s rich maritime history.

This year’s festival will host the Dunedin International Folk Dance Festival which will be held on the Friday with teams from across Europe performing in traditional costume.

Meanwhile, Anstruther Muster and Classic Boat Rally will be brightening up the waterfront. anstrutherharbourfestival.co.uk

Fancy some open air theatre fun? Head to Crail Castle Grounds on July 22 for Illyria’s outdoor stage version of Shakespeare’s The Tempest.

Bring your own rug or low-backed seating. Refreshments will be available along with free parking and picnics are positively encouraged. The event will go ahead in all weathers so come prepared ticketsource.co.uk

Also staged by Illyria, on August 11, at Strathtyrum House walled garden in St Andrews, there’s an open air theatre rendition of Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves. ticketsource.co.uk

Railway fanatics will love the Cupar Model Railway Show on July 20 and 21. The fun and educational exhibition contains working layouts and trade stands. cuparmrc.co.uk

Dance fans will be in their element when A Day To Play takes place at the Lochgelly Centre on July 20.

It’s described as “the perfect mix of performance by professional dancers with an interactive workshop designed for all the family to take part in”. Each session is led by professional dancers and an awardwinning director and first ever Artist in Residence at BBC Radio 2, Thomas Small. The sessions help children and young people to develop their self-confidence through a range of stimulating exercises and encourage problem solving and collaboration with others. onfife.com

History buffs will love the Historic Environment Scotland “I Serve Robert Bruce!” weekend event at Aberdour Castle and Gardens on July 13 and 14.

Wander through the living history camp, see the weapons of the time in the armoury, watch the cooks in the medieval kitchen, have a go at some games and try calligraphy with real iron gall ink. historicenvironment.scot

Wildlife fans will enjoy exploring Dunfermline Abbey after dark and finding out about the bats that hang out there, on August 31 from 8pm. For more information call 0131 652 8150.

Don’t miss Balgove Night Market in the steak barn just outside St Andrews. Enjoy food hot off the BBQ, live music and street food. Dates include July 2, August 6, and September 3.

The festival is fun for all the family with food stalls and music