Once again, TradFest folk will be taking part in the Edinburgh May Day parade. This event is less about massed Labour movements than it was, and it is trying to develop as a new force for bringing together progressive organisations, political, social and cultural. Everyone is warmly invited to join the TradFest part of the parade.
Tradfest has been involved for several years with Mummers and other folk dressing up and making our presence felt at the parade. Now is the time to try and develop this.
TRADFEST MARCHING BAND
- Meeting /Rehearsal Tue 2nd May, Library, Scottish Storytelling Centre, 6:30pm
- Parade Sat 6 May, from Johnston Terrace to Scottish Parliament, 11.30am
One or two musicians have busked together on the march in past years, but it would be great if we could make a proper marching band to head up the TradFest section of the parade. Something a bit more arranged.
So, what is a Marching band? Loud acoustic instruments, drummers and percussionists, brass, whistles and accordions amidst the guisers. The arrangements for the procession will be more funky than ponderous, and all those interested are welcome to come along to the meeting on 2 May at the Scottish Storytelling Centre for an informal jam rehearsal to discuss the repertoire.
If you have any ideas for simple appropriate tunes, do bring them along and we will see what folk already know.
There’s well-known marches like Freedom Come All Ye, John MacLean March, Loch Lomond, Banks of Sicily. We will see what folk already know. I also have some simple Basque, Breton Portuguese and other European tunes to develop an International flavour.
If we get on, there will be, I am sure, a great need for uplifting music in the coming weeks and months if folk choose to engage with marching with other progressive movements.
On the day (6 May) we will parade down the High Street to Scottish Parliament – gather at Johnstone Terrace at 11.30am.
Hope you will join us.
Stan Reeves
