The famous Edinburgh Festival has started with some free musical recitals in Princes Street Gardens this weekend.  The Grit Orchestra which included members of the National Youth Pipe and Brass Bands and students from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland gave a performance of the “Opening Fanfare” which consisted of various items.   Before that we watched the National Youth Brass Band playing some rousing music and I was very interested in the percussion players and their beaters, such as drumsticks, and the speed with which they had to move around the various instruments.  Fortunately the weather was good until shortly before the end when there was a very heavy rain shower but by then I was at the bus stop, although many people who were still watching must have got soaked.