Blessed with a fine day the Edinburgh Jazz Festival 2009 got underway with a colourful parade from The City Chambers on the Royal Mile to the famous Grassmarket. There jazz bands on 3 mini stages and other street performances took place throught the afternoon delighting locals and holiday visitors alike.
![Mardi Gras in Edinburgh's Grassmarket Mardi Gras in Edinburgh's Grassmarket for the opening if the 2009 Edinburgh Jass Festival](https://www.simonwilliamsphotography.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/DSC_0756.jpg)
Mardi Gras in Edinburgh's Grassmarket for the opening of the 2009 Edinburgh Jazz Festival