Join hundreds of people from Edinburgh’s community in the People’s Procession from Holyrood to St Giles Cathedral

The People's Procession is part of the conclusion to the spectacular Riding of the Marches event taking place on the Royal Mile in the heart of Edinburgh's Old Town on 13 September 2026. Around 30,000 people are expected to line the streets to watch both events, with many more online.

This is an opportunity for groups and organisations in Edinburgh to showcase and celebrate their work and help us to celebrate Edinburgh.

The People's Procession will consist of groups of people representing Edinburgh's people drawn from community/civic organisations, and others, together with pipe bands, other bands and dancers, civic dignitaries and Edinburgh High Constables. It will form up at Holyrood (in front of the Scottish Parliament building) and process up the Royal Mile from Holyrood to the Mercat Cross on the afternoon of 13 September before the cavalcade of 250 horses and riders arrive and conclude their day with a civic ceremony to return the Edinburgh flag to the Lord Provost on the ancient Mercat Cross.

There are no motorised vehicle 'floats' possible - due to lack of space at the end of the procession - but costumes and banners, including historical dress/uniforms/kit are encouraged. Mobility scooters are of course permitted. Small trolleys that are pushed or pulled by participants may be included.

Registration for 1 ticket is to register your organisation - you will be asked to say how many people you expect to have, or would like to have, in your group after you register. Groups taking part can be any size, but at least 5 is a guide, with a maximum group size of 15 suggested. There is an overall maximum number of people we can safely include in this event and we want to include as many different organisations as possible. It may be possible to increase group size, from 15, on request depending on overall take up of places. Any queries about practicalities or numbers of participants a group may have should be raised with the organisers.

On the day participants should expect to register and assemble at Holyrood by 2pm in time to set off around 2.30pm arriving at St Giles and the Mercat cross in good time to see the cavalcade of 250+ horses which will follow, and the parade of civic dignitaries. The end point for the whole event is expected to be 4.30pm.

This is an outdoor event where participants will be walking/wheeling on road surfaces, including setted areas (cobbles) which can be uneven. We do not expect to call off the event if the weather is wet.

Organisations registering to take part will be sent confirmation of their participation and full joining instructions and FAQs in advance of the event. FAQs will be published here once issued.

Finally the event is not political or intended to promote any political messages.

Registration is an application to take part until the organisers have confirmed your participation. Organisers reserve the right to decline a registration request.

These events are organised by the charity Edinburgh March Riding Association (SC041202), which is entirely volunteer run. The events are made possible with generous support from City of Edinburgh Council, the Incorporated Trades of Edinburgh, other donors and sponsors and year-round fundraising activities to cover our costs. Edinburgh Riding of the Marches

Description supplied by the event organiser.