The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo has gone from strength to strength since its creation, with performers from over 50 countries around the world having taken part over the years in this high-energy showcase on the Edinburgh Castle Esplanade.
What is The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo?
The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo is a special annual event which is part of Edinburgh’s summer festivals. It is a unique outdoor celebration of dance and music from across the globe, showcasing military traditions, Scottish heritage, and international culture.
This unforgettable event features fireworks and cutting-edge lighting against the incredible backdrop of Edinburgh Castle. A Lone Piper marks the end of each Show and provides a moment of reflection to remember those who came before us.
Photo credit: The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo
When is The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo?
In 2025, The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo will take place between 1 – 23 August at the Edinburgh Castle Arena. Don’t miss out on this incredible event!
Who is performing at the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo in 2025?
This year will mark 75 years of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo and present a new Show, ‘The Heroes Who Made Us’. The milestone event promises to celebrate the past, while imagining the future of the Tattoo. Audiences will be taken on a journey back to where it all began in 1950, with the British Army taking on the prestigious role of the Lead Service, the Show will present music, dance and precision performance that make up the last 75 years of the Tattoo story and beyond.
With performances from Top Secret Drum Corps, the Polish Border Guard, United States Air Force Honour Guard Drill Team, Ukraine Naval Forces Orchestra, and United States Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps.
What is the history of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo
The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo started over seven decades ago. It originated from a show called “Something About a Soldier” which was performed in 1949, as part of the Edinburgh International Festival of Music and Drama.
In 1950, the first-ever Edinburgh Tattoo took place which included 20 performances and attracted an audience of 100,000. This event featured eight displays of piping and dancing on Edinburgh Castle Esplanade – a much smaller affair than today’s dazzling show.
Photo credit: The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo
Having grown in size and reputation, The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo is now a world-renowned event and is an iconic part of Edinburgh’s summer festivals.
Each year, The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo is watched live by an audience of around 230,000. Over 14 million people have enjoyed the show since it first debuted. The spectacle is also broadcast to a staggering 100 million people around the world each year.
Watch videos of past Tattoo performances on The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo YouTube channel (YouTube.com)
Find out more about The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo (edintattoo.co.uk)