Don't panic, the Cavalcade will go on . .

UP to high do. Director of the Festival Cavalcade David Todd has wintered wondering whether the show would go on this year, given the trams trauma in Princes Street.

He's been assured, though, that the street will be okay for the grand parade on August 3. Starts 2.30 from Waverley Bridge, ends 4.30 at Johnston Terrace.

Some 3000 performers, with 300 minders), will be involved and again the massive input from the Tattoo will be crucial. Lord Provost George Grubb will head the procession in an open car and Major General David McDowall, governor of the Castle, and Tattoo producer Major General Euan Loudon will take the salute (will they ever ask me?).

Major Brian Leishman, former Tattoo business manager, will chair the judges of the floats. Deadline for entries is July 4. Applications to 220 3389.

This is Mr Todd's fifth year organising the show.

"What's particularly heartening," he says, "is that the council tell me that, even when the tramlines are down Princes Street the Cavalcade, the ideal curtain-raiser to the Festival, will be available to us."

Everybody loves a parade. Be there. Just pray the sun will have his hat on.

Model behaviour
Bound to look good on the mantelpiece. Sure to impress their friends. Charles Ritchie (the Brigadier to me) has just completed ten years as a director on the Edinburgh Military Tattoo Board and his co-directors presented him with a silver model of Edinburgh Castle.

A weighty object, and Michael Shea (the Doc to me) was similarly recognised for his 11 years on the board. For me, nothing but a grateful smile for frequently publicising them both in this column.

Just happy to be of service. Mind you, a wee postal order would have made all the difference.

Afterwords . .
. . . Ian Rintoul's commendable film about Duddingston, Village in the City, will be screened again at the Dominion tomorrow morning at 10.30 and 11.35. Admission free but if you can spare a copper, chuck it into the bucket at the door. In aid of the Sick Kids.