Wet but riding high

The gates have finally opened for the 2009 Edinburgh International Book Festival and although it's a little wet, we're certainly not down. We invited the Soweto Gospel Choir, so full of life and colour, to sing in the first of the many visitors through the gates - and what a performance! Such a big and wonderful noise they make, filling Charlotte Square Gardens with the kind of joyful sounds that bring a lump to the throat and a tear to the eye. Despite the profusion of waterproofs and wellies on site this morning, we're riding high and looking forward to what's to come - Ruth Padel's sold-out event is already underway as are no less than five events for children; Kate Atkinson will be on later this morning and Carlos Ruiz Zafon this afternoon. Actually there are about forty-two events today but a list here would be ridiculous - you'll just have to look them all up on the website! And 17 days still to go. The sun WILL shine on us - we feel it in our bones!