Edinburgh Fringe 2010 may be a week old already, but this weekend sees the start of two more of August's major Festivals.  Today, the Edinburgh International Festival's opening concert brings the curtain up on the "official" event, whose prestigious programme runs through to the end of the month.  And tomorrow, it's the Edinburgh International Book Festival's turn in the (hopefully literal) sun, as it opens up its tented village on Charlotte Square.

Regular visitors, be aware!  The cavalcade is in Holyrood Park this year.  Read on to find out more. 

We've had final confirmation of the arrangements for the Edinburgh Festivals Cavalcade, the family-friendly open-air parade which kicks off the Festival on Sunday 8 August this year.  Featuring 150 motorbikes, marching bands, the entire cast of the Tattoo and any number of floats, the Cavalcade makes a great day out - and a great introduction to the Festival.

The unstoppable juggernaut that is the Fringe is chugging into life... and there are bargains a-plenty waiting for you, if you're ready to hop on board.  With over 2,400 shows and 200 venues clamouring for your attention this year, cut-price previews and early-bird 2-for-1 deals make a great way to catch a little extra action without breaking the bank.

Monday's a double red-letter day here at Ticket Alert.  It's the very last chance to get a seat at the Edinburgh Military Tattoo, as tickets for the dress rehearsal go on sale; meanwhile, Edinburgh residents will be getting online for passes to the end-of-festival fireworks.  And with masterly planning, these two long-awaited ticket releases are taking place at more or less the same time.