Links Market: watch as Provost Jim Leishman rings the bell to open Kirkcaldy’s historic funfair
The Links Market is underway in Kirkcaldy - and huge crowds flocked to the official opening today.
Provost Jim Leishman rang the bell that sounded the start of six days of colour, noise and spectacle on the Esplanade as the traditional funfair gets into full swing. With the 2026 visit co-inciding with the Easter school holidays, hopes are high of a bumper attendance.
The Provost was joined by dignitaries from the Showmen’s Guild as they were piped along the length of the market before cutting a ribbon at the front of the traditional carousel ride.
Richard Wilmot Jnr, chairman of the Scottish section of the guild, said:”It is always a pleasure to bring the funfair to the Links Market. Its history over 700 years unbelievable, and a highlight of the showmen’s calendar. The Fife people are always welcoming.”
The market is open every day from 1:00pm until 10:00pm, closing on Monday night before the showmen begin to take the rides down and prepare to move on to their next destinations.
The Esplanade remains closed until Wednesday, April 22, from the junction at Charlotte Street to Morrison’s supermarket. All traffic will be diverted via Charlotte Street, Volunteers Green, Nicol Street, Abbotshall Road, Pratt Street and Bridge Street, but access will be maintained for emergency service vehicles and pedestrians.
There will be a temporary extension to the taxi rank on the High Street from Saturday until that date.
Car parking is available at a number of locations across the town centre - this will be the first Links Market without evening parking in the multi-storey on the Esplanade, following its demolition. The barriers surrounding the site will also be pulled back from the main road to help with traffic flow during the market.