Edinburgh Jazz Festival Mardi Gras
The free Mardi Gras, part of the Edinburgh Jazz Festival, launches Edinburgh's Festival season with customary brio. The multiple stages and marching bands bring a splash of colour and the sounds of New Orleans styled jazz to the streets.
The annual parade gets underway from the City Chambers at 12.30, moving via Victoria Street to the Old Town bars and cafe area of the Grassmarket for three hours (1-4pm) of non-stop music.
This year's line-up of musicians, includes:
- Hamish McGregor's Jazz & Co, a new band led by alto sax and clarinet player, playing upbeat traditional jazz.
- Laurie Chescoe's Reunion Band, a London based dixie/New Orleans outfits, with a host of players.
- Lorna Reid, who is making a name for herself as one of the classiest jazz vocalists on the scene and winning over audiences all over the UK. She'll have a Quartet.
- The Rosy Blue Band, a five piece blues outfit, featuring the powerful vocals of Rosie Nimmo.
- From England, Royal Park Rent Party play a mix of old swing and New Orleans Jazz and Blues.
- Fraser Spiers Band, with a classy blues set from the top harmonica man in Scotland.
- The Criterion Parade Band will be leading the parade and performing in the open stage area in the Grassmarket, along with a host of other parade bands.
Suggested donation
A donation of just £2 each helps ensure the Mardis Gras can continue next year and beyond.
