Regular visitors, be aware!  There is a change of location 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 9 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.

There'd been some concern about the Cavalcade this year, as Princes Street's now-notorious tram works have done for its traditional route.  But we needn't have worried: 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.

Also new this year, there's a chance to make more of a day of it, as the grassy bits of Holyrood Park play 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 charmingly described as an "informal display".

The parade itself is at 2pm and, perhaps best of all, the whole thing's free.  Popular with residents and vistors alike, the Cavalcade's always a fine day out - provided only that the Edinburgh weather is kind.  We're wishing it the best of luck in its new home this year.