The Edinburgh Military Tattoo is an annual event held each August in Scotland as part of the Edinburgh Festivals. It features performances by the British Armed Forces, Commonwealth, and international military bands, as well as artistic performance teams. The Tattoo takes place on the cobbled esplanade of Edinburgh Castle, creating a spectacular setting for this world-renowned event.
Schedule of Shows
Each weekday evening and twice on Saturdays, the festival hosts a multitude of captivating performances featuring thousands of drummers, dancers, pipers, and musicians. The shows from Monday to Friday commence at 9:30 pm, while on Saturdays (and Friday, August 9th), there are additional shows at 6:15 pm and 9:30 pm. Families favor the earlier performance as it provides a clear view of the performers' costumes and formations. In contrast, the 9:30 pm shows feature more pronounced projections against the darker evening sky, creating a bolder visual spectacle.
Bands
The 2024 Show, titled "Journeys," is a celebration of unique cultures, featuring over 800 talents from the USA, India, Switzerland, Australia, Canada, and local acts from the UK. One show you definitely won't want to miss is the Massed Military Bands and the Massed Pipes and Drums, the crowd favorites. The famous regiments parade to a grand entrance, emerging from the enormous gates of Edinburgh Castle while playing their battle tunes with fervor. At the end of each show, a colorful fireworks display lights up the sky, accompanied by a choir singing Auld Lang Syne. The thunderous sound of jets concludes this spectacular and emotionally charged display, making it a truly unforgettable experience.
Performers
The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo organizers take great pride in showcasing their own performers, including Highland Dancers, Pipes and Drums, and Fiddlers. These talented individuals will captivate the audience with traditional Scottish music and dance during the Journeys Show. In addition to its own performers, the event welcomes the dynamic routines of India Teamwork Arts. This group will bring the energy of Bhangra, Bollywood, and Rajasthan pipers to the stage. As a departure from tradition, Teamwork Arts will feature an all-female Bhangra performance, adding a fresh and innovative touch to the event.
Tickets & Location
Edinburgh Military Tattoo shows offer a range of ticket prices, from 35 pounds to 300 pounds, catering to different preferences and budgets. Royal Gallery tickets are also available at higher prices, ranging from 445 to 900 pounds, providing an exclusive experience for those seeking premium seating and amenities. The iconic Edinburgh Castle Esplanade serves as the magnificent setting for the renowned Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo.
History of the Festival
Since its initial debut in 1950, with only eight items featured in the program, the Edinburgh Military Tattoo has grown into a large-scale event attended by 220,000 people annually. It showcases military talents from 48 countries and six continents. If you're visiting Edinburgh during the festive season, attending the Tattoo is a must. The name "Tattoo" may seem curious if you think it's related to body ink, but its origins lie in the Dutch phrase 'doe den tap toe,' which roughly translates to 'last orders.' In the 18th century, British regimental bands played this tune to signal troops to leave the saloons and return to the barracks. Over time, it evolved into a sort of bedtime melody. Attending the festival won't result in a tattoo, but the unforgettable experiences will leave a lasting impression in your memory.
