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The Edinburgh Military Tattoo

a brass band performs during the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo

a performance during the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo

pipe bands performing in the castle esplanade during the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo

military pipe bands performing

military pipers performing

fireworks over Edinburgh Castle at the end of a Royal Military Tattoo performance

fireworks Edinburgh Castle - image courtesy of Historic Scotland

The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo is one of Scotland’s most iconic events held every August. Experience the electric atmosphere which showcases the best military bands, pipers and drummers, dancers and display teams from across the world.

Combining magnificent music and military theatre set against the backdrop of Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo really is unmissable. Each year over 200,000 people from around the world attend the event and since the first Tattoo in 1950 more than 12 million people have watched the spectacular show.

Enjoy thrilling performances from the massed pipe and drum bands which usually include five or six military bands from the infantry battalions of the Scottish Division along with one additional band from the Guards, Cavalry, Royal Air Force or the Ghurkhas.

Lively dancing, humorous routines, impressive lighting and fabulous fireworks complement the skillful musical performances throughout the 90 minute show. Every night the Military Tattoo ends on a poignant note as the haunting Lone Piper is performed from high up on the castle ramparts.

In 2012 the Tattoo was even more outstanding as it celebrated the Year of Creative Scotland and Her Majesty The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. Highlights included a performance from one of the world’s most sensational percussion groups - Switzerland’s Top Secret Drum Corps - remarkable drills from the Norwegian Armed Forces and talented pipe bands from Australia and New Zealand.

The 2013 event is likely to be another sell-out show. Find out more about booking Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo tickets.