Holyrood all set for return of Festivals' Cavalcade

A GIANT caterpillar, scores of Fringe performers and more than 150 motorbikes are all set to form part of a bumper Festivals' Cavalcade on its return to Holyrood Park.

The colourful parade will be led by more than 150 Harley Davidson, Honda Gold Wing and Ducati motorcyclists, and will also include the entire cast of this year's Edinburgh Military Tattoo.

More than 2,000 performers are set to take part in the event on August 8, which has been forced to relocate from Princes Street for the second consecutive year due to the ongoing tram works.

Organisers are hoping to top last year's turnout of around 75,000 spectators, which slumped from the usual 150,000 following the move from the traditional Princes Street route.

Councillor Steve Cardownie, Festivals and Events Champion for the City of Edinburgh, said: "With colour, costume and a vibrant party atmosphere - all set against a stunning backdrop at Holyrood Park - the Festivals' Cavalcade sets the scene for an amazing summer season of entertainment in Edinburgh."

Over 1,000 performers dressed in bright costumes will entertain visitors before and after the Cavalcade in the Parade Ground - the grass area between Holyrood Palace and Meadowbank - from noon to 4pm.

The cavalcade will start at the Holyrood Park Road entrance at 2pm and travel north and east along Queen's Drive, past Dynamic Earth, the Scottish Parliament and Palace of Holyrood House, before finishing at the Meadowbank Terrace entrance at around 3pm.

A new addition to this year's showpiece parade will be a 10m-long inflatable caterpillar, which will be operated by 10 performers.

Cavalcade Director, David Todd, said: "It's something fun and something a bit sensational - I think the children will love it!"

More than 20 Fringe and community floats will be included in the parade, which will also feature around 12 bands from across Scotland.

Firm Cavalcade favourites include Fringe floats from Forth Children's Theatre, Edinburgh People's Theatre and the Lady Boys of Bangkok, as well as community floats from Balbardie Primary School, Bo'ness Children's Fair Festival and Craigmillar Arts Centre.

Tai Chi demonstrations, balloon modelling and glitter face painting will also entertain the crowds at the family event.

Stephen Duncan, head of commercial and visitor operations for Historic Scotland, which manages Holyrood Park, said: "We are delighted to host The Edinburgh Festivals' Cavalcade again this year. Holyrood Park is such a spectacular setting that is loved and known by the people of Edinburgh. It is a place of leisure and relaxation, so what better place to host this colourful and lively celebration of the Edinburgh Festivals?"

Mr Todd added: "I am pleased to be able to present the Cavalcade, making use of the space in Holyrood Park and its natural geography, and keeping the core spectacular elements of the Cavalcade itself as the heart of the day."

A guest band consisting of more than 40 high school musicians from New Jersey in America will also provide entertainment on the day.

Councillor Cardownie added: "Residents and visitors from across the globe will really get a sense of what's to come in the world's best festival city. It's a free event not to missed because it offers a genuine picture of what's on and what the hot festival tickets will be."