Regular visitors, be aware!  The cavalcade is in Holyrood Park this year.  Read on to find out more. 

We've had final confirmation of the arrangements for the Edinburgh Festivals Cavalcade, the family-friendly open-air parade which kicks off the Festival on Sunday 8 August this year.  Featuring 150 motorbikes, marching bands, the entire cast of the Tattoo and any number of floats, the Cavalcade makes a great day out - and a great introduction to the Festival.

Historically the Cavalcade has run along Princes Street, but it looks like the now-notorious tram works have once again done for its traditional route.  Not to worry, though: for a second year on the trot, the whole thing's relocating to the no-less-impressive surroundings of Holyrood Park, where the floats will parade below the towering Salisbury Crags on their way to the Palace at Holyrood.

The cavalcade will last about an hour, but there's a chance to make more of a day of it, as the parade ground between the Palace and Meadowbank plays host to Fringe performers from noon until 4pm.  A modest compensation for the sad loss of Fringe Sunday, over 1,000 performers in costume are expected to strut their stuff in what's billed as a "great day out for all the family".

The parade itself sets off from the Commonwealth Pool at 2pm and, perhaps best of all, the whole thing's free.  Popular with residents and visitors alike, the Cavalcade's always a fine day out - provided only that the Edinburgh weather is kind.  Here's hoping!