All That Jazz

For many, the Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival Mardi Gras is the first event of the Festival season.

A free event in Edinburgh's Grassmarket, the Mardi Gras brings a slice of carnival atmosphere to one of the city's oldest and most historic places, filling it with a riot of colour, sounds and people entering into the jazz (and alcohol) fuelled spirit of the day.

The weather was kind, and the sun put in an appearance for most of the event, shining down on the likes of the Criterion Parade Band and the infectious rhythms and showgirl glamour of the Edinburgh Samba School, whilst other artists, bands and singers entertained the packed crowd from temporary stages dotted along the cobbled street.

The atmosphere was relaxed and happy, as tourists on passing open-top buses stared down in envy at the buzz below and fortunate pub and restaurant owners reaped the rewards of having a captive hungry & thirsty crowd on their doorstep.

A great start to proceedings, the Mardi Gras ushered in the Festival with a splash of carnival atmosphere that hinted at the frantic and unmissable weeks to come.