The Central Edinburgh New Town Association held its 'Annual Garden Party & Big Picnic' in Queen Street Gardens West this afternoon. Spurtle ventured along, hoping to witness something a bit out of the ordinary.
'Think Ascot,' the event's organisers had advised, 'but think hats rather than horses. Think Henley, heavenly without all that water!'
Think Big Hats, Boaters, Blazers, Dejeuner sur L'herbe with clothes on! A dressing up, not a dressing down! Think Picnics, Pimms, Prosecco, Champagne, Dry, dry Martinis. Think Gaudy Gazebos, Marquees. Bring big picnics, small eats, chairs and tables. Eat, drink, meet friends and make new ones. RELAX and ENJOY.
We were not disappointed.
As one would expect, security at the gate was intense ...
but once inside, the dazzling profusion of tents, the smell of trodden grass and the throb of live music outdoors was immediately reminiscent of T in the Park ...
briefly. We very much liked the variety of headwear.
Music was supplied by the Trinity Pipers, the Edinburgh Brass Band (pictured below), the Regimental Band of the Black Watch, Army Cadet Force, and the cleverly named ceilidh band Ceilidhonia.
Behind the scenes, a great deal of thought had gone into keeping the musicians refreshed and fascinated.
We never did discover what was uniting attention at the centre of this gazebo ...
but were pleased to find that many of the gentlemen were as keen as the ladies to provide a touch of glamour. Note this dashing fellow's matching socks on the hoof ...
and this individual's understated sophistication from top to bottom.
All in all, it was a sunlit, good-natured and welcoming event in surroundings where even a well-couched admonition from the Commissioners gave pleasure.
We're very glad we went.
