Goodness ! Festival season has totally crept up on me and now it feels like its hurtling towards us at fast speed !! Kicking things off this summer is the Jazz and Blues Festival from the 14th to the 23rd July. This features two very fun and family friendly events, namely Mardi Gras and the festival Carnival ! So expect some magical musical madness and colourful feathers galore !

Mardi Gras is on Saturday 15th July 1pm-4pm. The historic heart of Edinburgh becomes a mini New Orleans for the afternoon.A host of bands create non stop entertainment and a party atmosphere on stages across the Grassmarket, including   latin-swing band mixed with upbeat ska rhythms Swing’It Disney which sounds like one for the little people !

Carnival is on Sunday 16th July at The Mound, Princes Street and  Princes Street Gardens. It is free admission, thanks to City of Edinburgh Council, timings are:

2.30pm: Parade from The Mound to the West End of Princes Street
3.30pm-5pm: Performances in Princes Street, Princes Street Gardens

There will be over 800 Carnival Performers! With music, dance, costumes, circus acrobats, puppetry from all over the world, this is not to be missed!