Edinburgh People’s Procession 2026

The Edinburgh People’s Procession returns on Sunday 13 September 2026, travelling from Holyrood to St Giles’ Cathedral between 2pm and 4.30pm. The free city-centre event brings together community groups, organisations, performers, and residents for a public procession through the Old Town.

The route begins outside the Scottish Parliament and finishes at St Giles’ Cathedral after moving through the Royal Mile.

Key Event Details

What To Expect

The procession is linked to the Edinburgh Riding of the Marches and places local communities at the centre of the day. Groups can join with banners, costumes, music, and displays representing their work, interests, neighbourhoods, and history.

Spectators can watch from points along the route without registering. Temporary road restrictions and rolling closures are likely around Holyrood and the High Street while the procession passes.

Entry and Practical Information

Watching is free. Community groups and individuals who want to take part should register through the official People’s Procession page and follow the organiser’s instructions for meeting points and timings.

Location and Getting There

The procession starts outside the Scottish Parliament at Holyrood and heads towards the Royal Mile, finishing at St Giles’ Cathedral. Waverley station is close to the upper part of the route, while buses serve both the Old Town and Holyrood.

Our Tips

• Choose a viewing point before the procession starts because pavements can become crowded.
• Use public transport and allow extra time for city-centre road restrictions.
• Check the organiser’s final route notice shortly before the event.

Registration, route details, and organiser updates are published by the Edinburgh Riding of the Marches.