Following the enormous success of the inaugural Edinburgh Easter Festival plans are now well progressed for this year.  Last year saw the plans develop quickly away from just a Parade in order to give more performance opportunities to the large numbers of groups that wished to take part.

The Festival began with two Concerts at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre, with participants from America and Europe. The concerts were wonderfully compered by Scott Wilson from radio FORTH2, who had a busy few days. The range and variety of performers were greatly enjoyed by the audiences, with speciality acts such as Dunklefolket from Denmark going down a treat.

Easter Sunday's festivities began at 12.00noon in Princes Gardens with a blessing from The Right Reverend Brian A. Smith. Performances quickly got underway at the Ross Theatre, opening with the Green Valley Orchestra from Las Vegas. At 1.00pm, the performance schedule began at the special stage in Festival Square and then at 2.00pm in Castle Street. These three stages produced music and entertainment throughout the afternoon for the whole City to enjoy. As well as the music and dance groups, further free entertainment was also to be enjoyed in the Gardens. Maypole Dancing, Face Painting and even an Easter Egg Hunt provided great family fun. Rain had been predicted, but the sun managed to stay with us all day; let's hope it shines again this year.