There is something happening in the world of the art car, it seems certain. For many years the parade in Houston, as well as the strong local art car community, have been at the forefront of a strong American art car movement. Up to now, though, there has been limited take-up of the concept outside of America. But following on from the inaugural London Art Car Parade, it seems that the capital city of England’s northern neighbor wants to have a go too. This November will see Edinburgh host an Illuminated Car Parade which will form a part of the celebrations “Homecoming Year” – a celebration of the 250th anniversary of the birth of Scotland’s national poet, Robert Burns.

Among the pieces slated to appear is a Robert Burns poetry van as well as numerous other vehicles set to recognize the finest in Scottish poetry and prose. The year of Homecoming has been a major event for all of Scotland, and with the city authorities getting behind the Illuminated Car Parade, it is gratifying to see the movement growing legs – or should that be sprouting wheels – in the United Kingdom. That makes a few art car parades in Britain now – could it be that the movement is finally getting the attention it deserves?