Bannockburn Live! Descends on Brooklyn Bridge

NEW YORK, April 8, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Scottish warriors from the year 1314 took New Yorkers by surprise today as they stormed Brooklyn Bridge.  The group from Clanranald joins VisitScotland in the US for Scotland Week to promote the Bannockburn Live Festival, which is tipped to be the highlight of Scotland's summer. 

Bannockburn Live will mark the 700^th anniversary of the Battle of Bannockburn, which is one of the most significant battles in Scotland's history.  The two day festival includes 1314 Encampment; featuring over 300 performers, as they step back in time to June 1314 to explore the bustling encampments and soak up the atmosphere, sights and sounds of medieval life.  This once in a lifetime experience promises to be a theatrical spectacle. 

1314 Encampment is being choreographed by Clanranald, famous for their work on Hollywood blockbusters Gladiator and Thor 2.  Around 40 clans will be represented at the event and there will be genealogy experts on hand to help visitors work out if their ancestors were involved in the landmark battle.  The festival was specially commissioned as part of Homecoming Scotland 2014 - a year-long programme of events celebrating Scotland's food and drink, active pursuits, cultural heritage, nature and ancestral heritage.

The one-off family friendly festival, which will take place 28 – 29 June 2014, just outside the historic city of Stirling, will feature a stellar line-up of musicians, artists and comedians and it is expected to attract a large number of overseas visitors as well as delighting home audiences. 

Headlining musicians include internationally renowned singer songwriter Dougie MacLean, famed for his anthem 'Caledonia' ('..a musical hero' - Wall Street Journal); Julie Fowlis, best known for providing the hauntingly beautiful soundtrack to Disney Pixar's 'Brave' and members of Clanranald's medieval rock band Saor Patrol.  They'll be joined over the weekend by an array of Scottish musical talent from the traditional to contemporary.

For more details on Bannockburn Live! go to www.bannockburnlive.com. For more information about visiting Scotland during the year of Homecoming go to www.homecomingscotland.com.

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140408/NY01071

SOURCE VisitScotland