Months of planning come to fruition in Kirkcaldy tomorrow, when the Links Market gets under way and the celebrations to mark its 700th anniversary in the Lang Toun begin.

The event, Europe’s longest street funfair, is always eagerly anticipated by the young and young at heart, but this year’s is extra-special in many ways.

To celebrate the 700th birthday, Fife Council, in conjunction with the Showmen’s Guild of Great Britain (Scottish Section) has put together KLM700.

The market itself, which this year is being held for an extra day, will feature 225 attractions, ranging from kiddies’ rides to the latest in high-tech white-knuckle rides, including the largest big wheel in Scotland.

But this year, there’s a lot more to the market experience than just rides.

A celebrations village has been built in the town square and at various times over the next few days will feature a medieval “living” village dating to 1304; a continental market; live broadcasts by 1548 Forth2; falconry displays and archery tasters; medieval entertainers such as jugglers and jesters; live music; and a tea room.

Ottakar’s book shop will be selling a range of local history publications, including the specially- commissioned book The Links Market, which charts the market’s 700 years, and Market Nights, a CD of fairground-themed music in a variety of styles commissioned for KLM700, from stall at the village.

New roadside esplanade banners, themed on 700 years of Kirkcaldy history and designed by local children working with the Fife Cultural Co-ordinators, will be in place.

The museum and art gallery is hosting an exhibition about the banners alongside another celebrating 700 years of the market through photographs, paintings, stories and the sounds of the fair.

Councillor Margot Doig, who chairs the KLM700 working group, said, “KLM700 is the premier family event in Scotland— we’re not in the shadow of the big cities when it comes to entertainments and attractions.

“The enthusiastic and very welcome support we have from businesses shows how well this package of anniversary celebrations is regarded.”