Radio Lollipop Volunteers in Edinburgh pulled on their flares for the 28th Edinburgh Festival Cavalcade. The annual procession through Edinburgh marks the start of the citys Fringe Festival and offers the Edinburgh team the chance to unleash their creativity on designing and decorating a float. This year under the enthusiastic leadership of Elaine Notman (volunteer) the team decided to boogie down the main streets in Edinburgh on a Retro 70s float.
Jim Simpson at Redlands Group very kindly provided the trailer and truck for the event and Radio Lollipop Supporter ex-Chief Superintendent of Lothian and Borders Police Jim Pryde enabled us to build and store the float at Police Headquarters. The days before the parade were spent decorating the 40ft flatbed trailer, painting the disco floor, building a stand for the dazzling disco ball and constructing the DJ Hut.
On the actual day of the parade all the volunteers taking part on the float looked fantastic. Several volunteers sported original 70s gear having rediscovered, cat suits, flares and platform boots lurking in the back of their wardrobes. Others went to town with huge curly wigs, gold shades and sparkly tops. Even the Chairman Graham Barr managed to don a wig and shades to help create the retro look.
Resident DJ Andrew Miller made sure that yet again the Lollipop float was one of the loudest, pumping out loud and lively music throughout the parade. Our stewards and co-hosts David Sweeney and Graham Barr managed to walk and talk all the way along the parade route. As part of Radio Lollipop Edinburghs forthcoming PR Campaign, Bryan Hislop pioneered a new venture this year by braving the 170,000 strong crowd to hand out Lollipop packs. The packs contained a Radio Lollipop freebie and information on how to join and support the charity. It is hoped to build on this idea in future years and use it as a means to encourage new members to join the team.
The Cavalcade was a great success offering all those who took part the chance to dress up and have fun whilst helping to raise the profile and role of Radio Lollipop Edinburgh to a huge audience.
