Grandstand tickets have gone on sale for the Edinburgh Festivals Cavalcade, the family-friendly open-air parade which kicks off the Festival on Sunday 3 August this year.  Featuring a vintage motorcade, the entire cast of the Tattoo and any number of floats and marching bands, the Cavalcade makes a great day out - and a great introduction to the Festival.

As we explain in our main article on the cavalcade, you can get a perfectly good view of the procession without parting with any money at all.  Trouble is, to bag a prime spot, you'll have to be there early.  The grandstands offer a great cheat's short-cut - though we admit, at £10 a ticket, it's a pricey option if the whole family's in tow.

To apply for tickets, go to the Cavalcade's official website and click the "Spectators" link on the left-hand side.  You'll need to download a form and send it in with your cheque - and don't forget to enclose a stamped addressed envelope, too.

Waiting to see what the weather's like?  Tickets may be available on the day... but this is a hugely popular event and so, if you do want a seat in the grandstand, it's best to get in as soon as you can.