The King’s Colour Squadron carry out a final drill rehearsal ahead of the last weekend of this year’s Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo
As the Tattoo approaches its final weekend, King’s Colour Squadron Royal Air Force (RAF) line up against the picturesque backdrop of Edinburgh’s skyline for some final inspections.
Dressed in full military uniform, during the RAF lead service Show, the King’s Colour Squadron has been delighting audiences nightly with its precision drills and entertaining the crowds with popular gaming tunes from Battlefield and Final Fantasy.
Alongside the other 800 performers from across the globe, the 2023 international cast will take to the Edinburgh Castle Esplanade this weekend for the final time as they bring this year’s Show Stories to a conclusion.
With sensational music, dance, costume, and spectacle, please find a selection of stunning Show images HERE, showcasing the unique and shared military and cultural celebrations of sagas, myths, and legends.
The Tattoo completes its run for 2023 on Saturday 26 August with a small selection of tickets still available.
Tickets for the 2024 Show Journeys are on sale from 28 August 2023, and can be purchased at edintattoo.co.uk/tickets or on the phone on 0131 225 1188.
A Guard of Honour for Sir Nils Olav – the most famous king penguin in the world – as he is promoted at a prestigious award ceremony at Edinburgh Zoo
His Majesty the King’s Guard Band and Drill Team of Norway, who are performing at The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo this year, visited the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland’s (RZSS) Edinburgh Zoo to promote and bestow a unique honour upon the resident king penguin, Sir Nils Olav.
The world-famous King penguin, who is already a Brigadier, now has the grand title of Major General Sir Nils Olav III, Baron of the Bouvet Islands and official mascot of His Majesty the King’s Guard of Norway.
Following a carefully choreographed parade past His Majesty the King’s Guard Band and Drill Team of Norway, Sir Nils was awarded his new badge of honour at a special ceremony at the wildlife conservation charity’s Penguins Rock. The ceremony was attended by over 160 uniformed soldiers of His Majesty the King of Norway’s Guard who are taking part in The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo Show, Stories.
Jason Barrett, Chief Operating Officer at The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, said: “The theme for The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo this year is Stories and what better connection to our Show than the story of Sir Nils Olav and his rise through the ranks.
“His Majesty’s Kings Guard of Norway bring a rich history, honour, and tradition to our cast and have been a fan favourite for years. Having acts like the Kings Guard showcases the cross-cultural component found within the Tattoo and is what makes it so unique among entertainment offerings. On behalf of the entire cast and crew of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, I am delighted to congratulate Sir Nils Olav III on his promotion to Major General.”
David Field, Chief Executive of the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland, said: “We are honoured to host His Majesty the King’s Guard Band and Drill Team of Norway once again as they return to Edinburgh Zoo to bestow this prestigious new title upon our king penguin, Sir Nils Olav.
“It is a very proud moment and represents the ongoing close collaboration between our two countries, Scotland, and Norway.”
Staff Sergeant Fredrik Gresseth from His Majesty the King’s Guard Band and Drill Team of Norway added: “Sir Nils Olav is the mascot of His Majesty the King’s Guard and was adopted during one of the Band and Drill team’s participation at The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo.
“Te tradition of sending Nils Olav and his family fish, Christmas cards and visiting him during the unit’s participation at the Tattoo have been an important part of the Battalion’s history.
“His promotion this August, for good conduct and for being a superb example for the rest of the penguins at the Edinburgh Zoo, is a milestone in his career as mascot for the guard. The guardsmen of the Drill team look forward to this rare occasion of being inspected by their own mascot, while the band will set the atmosphere worthy of a knighted King Penguin!”
The regal, black, white and yellow bird is the mascot of His Majesty the King of Norway’s Guard, and his very own story dates back as far as 1972, when a king penguin at RZSS Edinburgh Zoo was named after two people: Major Nils Egelien, who organised his adoption by RZSS Edinburgh Zoo in 1972, and the then-King of Norway, King Olav.
The Guardsmen visit Sir Nils at the zoo every few years while they are in the city performing at The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo and give him a promotion.
Since his adoption in 1972, he has worked his way up the ranks, starting at Mascot, before being promoted to Corporal in 1982, Sergeant in 1987, Regimental Sergeant Major in 1993, Honourable Regimental Sergeant Major in 2001, Colonel-in-Chief in 2005, Knighthood in 2008, Brigadier Sir in 2016 and now General Major in 2023.
Tickets are still available for the Tattoo, that runs until 26 August 2023 and can be purchased at edintattoo.co.uk/tickets or on the phone on 0131 225 1188. Tickets for the 2024 Show, Journeys, will be on general sale from 28 August 2023.
Motor-racing legend Sir Jackie Stewart attended The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo on Friday night to take on the prestigious role of Salute Taker for the Show at Edinburgh Castle’s Esplanade.
The Tattoo will be making a financial contribution to Race Against Dementia, a charity established by the three-time Formula 1 World Champion, to identify, fund, and guide pioneering scientists from across the world to find a cure for dementia, a disease which will affect one in three people in the United Kingdom.
Sir Jackie was met by Buster Howes, Chief Executive of the Tattoo, before taking his seat in the Royal Gallery to enjoy this year’s Show Stories, which is a celebration of sagas, myths and legends and transports the audience on a journey of ideas, from campfire stories through to the world stage.
To donate to Race Against Dementia, visit raceagainstdementia.com. Stories will run until Saturday 26 August 2023, with tickets still available from edintattoo.co.uk or by calling +44 (0)131 225 1188.
The cobbled streets of Edinburgh have been brought to life by the colour and vibrancy of The Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force Steel Orchestra.
The Orchestra are creating a carnival atmosphere each night with their performances at The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo and did the same at Victoria Street, wowing passersby with their spectacular outfits.
Set against the colour of the iconic Edinburgh street, the performers gave locals and tourists alike a glimpse of the colour of their performance at this year’s Tattoo Show, Stories.
The Tattoo is running until 26 August 2023 and tickets can be purchased at edintattoo.co.uk, on the phone on 0131 225 1188 or in person at the Tattoo Box Office at 1 Cockburn Street, Edinburgh.
More than 800 performers graced Edinburgh Castle’s Esplanade to share their stories through song, dance, and military precision –
The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo makes its anticipated return with this year’s Show, Stories as performers from across the globe wow audiences with sensational music, dance, costume, and spectacle.
Running until 26 August, the Show is a celebration of sagas, myths, and legends, transporting audiences on a journey of ideas – from the earliest campfire stories through to the world stage and showcasing an international cast telling tales that connect us through our unique and shared military and cultural heritages.
From the musical prowess of the Massed Pipes & Drums, the physical storytelling of dance and precision drill, and stunning imagery captured through light and projection, audiences will be transported and enthralled.
Edinburgh Castle Esplanade will play host to performers from Australia, Norway, Switzerland, The United States, and Trinidad and Tobago, alongside homegrown acts from across the UK and Ireland.
As ever, the military play a prominent role in the Show, with the Royal Air Force as the lead Service. Audiences will also be treated to the rousing sound of the Massed Pipes and Drums supported by the Tattoo Dancers and Fiddlers.
Making their Tattoo debut on the Castle Esplanade, The United States Air Force Band will entertain the crowds with a freestyle musical performance with music from the Great American Songbook. The Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force Steel Orchestra will bring a vibrant burst of colour and excitement true to their traditional art forms, including the limbo and fire dance, performing their take on contemporary Caribbean music.
Exploring the legends and traditions of Switzerland, The Swiss Armed Forces Central Band will present an exhilarating drum corps talent. Whilst His Majesty the King’s Guard Band and Drill Team of Norway will return to the Tattoo this year to tell their story as a Regiment, reprising their history and heritage to the present day.
The lead Service’s Royal Air Force King’s Colour Squadron will lead the way with popular gaming tunes from Battlefield and Final Fantasy. And of course, the sounds of Scotland will be heard loudly on the Edinburgh Castle Esplanade with traditional tunes from the Massed Pipes and Drums as well as the Tattoo’s take on Scottish bands Tide Lines and Runrig.
Michael Braithwaite, the Creative Director of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, said:“Stories builds on our Voices show of 2022 and promises a captivating celebration of connection through stories in all their forms. Most of all, Stories is a shared opportunity for audiences and performers to come together and experience an evening of unique and immersive entertainment.
“Stories is the next chapter in the modern era of the Tattoo, packed with the latest in cutting-edge technology, whilst combining the tradition and precision the Show is known for and loved. It will be a truly memorable event and we are thrilled to be returning to Edinburgh Castle once more.
“We cannot wait to share with audiences a Show that is, at its heart, a celebration of individuals from many diverse backgrounds, united by common experiences.”
2023 marks the second year of the Tattoo’s bold new brand proposition, Performance in a New Light, which embraces military tradition and combines it with exciting new innovations and contemporary touches.
The full line-up for 2023 includes: The Band of His Majesty’s Royal Marines Scotland, The Central Band of the Royal Air Force, The Band of the Royal Air Force Regiment, The Royal Air Force Salon Orchestra, Royal Air Force Bands, 1st Battalion The Irish Guards Drums and Pipes, The Pipes and Drums of The Royal Highland Fusiliers 2nd Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland, The Pipes and Drums of 4th Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland, Combined Scottish Universities Officers’ Training Corps Pipes and Drums, Royal Air Force Pipes and Drums, The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo Pipes and Drums, The Scots College Sydney Pipes and Drums, The Scots College Sydney Old Boys Pipes and Drums, The Scots School Albury Pipe Band, The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo Dancers, The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo Fiddlers, King’s Colour Squadron Royal Air Force, The Swiss Armed Forces Central Band, His Majesty the King’s Guard Band and Drill Team of Norway, The United States Air Force Band and Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force Steel Orchestra.
The Tattoo will run from 4 – 26 August 2023. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at edintattoo.co.uk, on the phone on 0131 225 1188 or in person at the Tattoo Box Office at 1 Cockburn Street, Edinburgh.
Presenting partner, Innis & Gunn will be offering a bar service at the event. Drinks pre-order is available now from edintattoodrinks.co.uk.
Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal attended one of the final rehearsals of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo ahead of its official opening night tonight (Friday 4 August).
All performers from this year’s Show, Stories, took part in tyesterday’s rehearsal at the Redford Barracks, giving Her Royal Highness an exclusive preview of their stunning musical and cultural showcases and military precision.
Over 800 performers from across the globe are taking part in this year’s production. Stories is a celebration of sagas, myths, and legends, transporting audiences on a journey of ideas – from the earliest campfire stories through to the world stage.
HRH The Princess Royal met with performers from countries including Trinidad and Tobago, Switzerland, Australia, Norway and The United States of America.
Building on last year’s successful return Show, Voices, audiences from around the world will gather at Edinburgh Castle this summer, from 4 August – 26 August, for the cultural spectacular.
The Cast, including international acts, for The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo have arrived in Edinburgh for this year’s show, Stories, and were given a very Scottish welcome.
Performers from Trinidad and Tobago, the United States, Norway, and Switzerland were greeted at Edinburgh Airport by Tattoo performers before making their way to the iconic Edinburgh Castle ahead of the Show’s opening night on Friday 4 August.
Stories draws inspiration from the sagas, myths, and legends that people across the globe have shared with each other for centuries.
The Tattoo will run from 4 – 26 August 2023. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at edintattoo.co.uk, on the phone on 0131 225 1188 or in person at the Tattoo Box Office at 1 Cockburn Street, Edinburgh.
Celebrating a new partnership between two of Scotland’s most famous landmarks and events, The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo performers “try” to impress the Scotland Rugby squad with their skills at the iconic Murrayfield stadium.
This summer the Tattoo Performers will swap Edinburgh Castle for Murrayfield; pipers will provide the rugby players with a very warm Scottish welcome ahead of each of the summer international rugby matches, as well as performing for crowds in the popular Fan Zone areas.
The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo and Scottish Rugby are also offering a week-long on-air and online competition with Heart Radio, including tickets to see the International France v Scotland Rugby match on Saturday 5 August, transport from Murrayfield to Edinburgh Castle and the Spirit of Scotland hospitality package including premium seating to enjoy the Tattoo.
For further information on how to win the ultimate day out, please visit:
Staged at the world-renowned Edinburgh Castle, this year’s Tattoo performance, entitled Stories, will run from 4-26 August 2023.
Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at edintattoo.co.uk/tickets or on the phone on 0131 225 1188. There are also still some tickets remaining for the half price Preview Night on 3 August.
Scotland will face Italy, France and Georgia this July and August in The Famous Grouse Nations Series.
Audiences at The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo next month will be treated to the spectacular sounds of traditional and contemporary music from across the globe, and now they can do so for half-price thanks to new tickets on sale soon.
Organisers have revealed The United States Air Force Band will wow the crowds with a freestyle musical performance depicting America’s great songbook while The Trinidad & Tobago Defence Force Steel Orchestra feature contemporary Caribbean music from artists like Freetown Collective, DJ Private Ryan, Nailah Blackman and Skinny Fabulous.
Lead Service the Royal Air Force Massed Military Bands, HM Royal Marines and The King’s Colour Squadron this year present popular gaming tracks from Battlefield 2, Final Fantasy VII and Dragon Age: Inquisition. The music of Scotland also features heavily with traditional tunes from the Massed Pipes & Drums.
As preparations for the spectacular return of the Tattoo continue, with just one month to go, organisers have pledged to ensure the celebrated cultural attraction can be enjoyed by all. Half -price tickets for their Preview Night go on sale from 10am Tuesday 4 July, for the performance beginning at 9:30 pm on Thursday 3 August.
Preview Night tickets offer both local and international audiences the very first chance to witness the seminal spectacle, as talented performers from across the world gather on the iconic Edinburgh Castle Esplanade.
The half-price Preview Night tickets have been a regular Show feature in recent years, and whilst enjoying discounted entry to the Show, Preview Night audiences can still expect to see the full line-up of international acts performing throughout August.
Michael Braithwaite, Creative Director of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, says:“Storytelling is at the heart of this year’s Tattoo. We’re presenting an enticing array of tales, myths and legends through music, dance, sound, and light. Stories features a huge range of musical styles, genres and artists and I’m looking forward to audiences catching the magic in August.
“As an international cultural celebration, the Tattoo is a show we want everyone to experience and enjoy. Our half-price Preview Night tickets are a great way for people to be part of the excitement and are always snapped up quickly.”
Stories is a celebration of storytelling, giving a stage to performers and acts to share those stories that mean the most to them, communicated through innovative music, dance, and performance. Stories draws inspiration from the sagas, myths, and legends that people across the globe have shared with each other for centuries.
Over 800 performers from across the globe will take part in this year’s Tattoo, bringing with them extraordinary music, dance, and performance talents. There will be vivid and exciting acts from Trinidad & Tobago, The United States, Switzerland, and Norway, along with homegrown talent from the UK.
Military musicians continue to play a central role in the performance, with the RAF as the lead Service this year. Audiences can expect to hear the skirl of the Massed Pipes and Drums that echo around the Esplanade as part of Stories, supported by Tattoo Performers and musicians from UK Military Regiments.
In addition to this, the Tattoo are also launching their new membership scheme, during the week of 3 July, featuring a two-tiered approach, with Friend of the Tattoo, and Patron of the Tattoo costing – with benefits including pre-sale access to 2024 tickets and exclusive Tattoo Behind the Scenes Tours.
Preview performance tickets can be purchased at edintattoo.co.uk/tickets or on the phone at 0131 225 1188 from 10am on Tuesday 4July. Prices start from £20. The Show runs from 4-26 August 2023, with Innis & Gunn once again offering a bar service at the event. Drinks pre-order is available now from edintattoodrinks.co.uk.
New dining hospitality package provides a gastronomic experience with the Michelin Starred Chef
Two world class icons of Edinburgh are joining forces to create a culinary extravaganza as The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo partners with Michelin Starred Chef Tom Kitchin to offer an exclusive, intimate, and exquisite dining experience.
Guests to this year’s Tattoo, Stories, can enjoy it in the lap of luxury with spectacular entertainment intertwined with the finest food and drink. Diners will be able to celebrate before, during and after the Show with a spectacular package to showcase the very best of Scotland’s land and sea.
Presented in the newly refurbished Tattoo’s Ramsay Garden Apartments, the intimate venue can host up to 12 guests who will be treated to an exquisite Scottish tasting menu from the world-renowned chef Tom Kitchin, with the added privilege and unique opportunity to meet and discuss the food with the man himself. Wines will be specially selected to pair with the food and diners will enjoy a special, pre-Show, private performance by some of the members of the Tattoo Cast.
Guests will then be escorted by their host to seats in the exclusive Royal Gallery to enjoy the best view of the Show set against the backdrop of Edinburgh Castle. A post-Show drinks reception in The Royal Gallery will complete the package.
Jason Barrett, Chief Operating Officer at The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, said: “This truly is a unique experience and offers guests the occasion to enjoy world-class performance, paired with world-class food.
“Tom’s menu explores and features the very finest Scottish produce, inspired by his ‘From Nature to Plate’ philosophy, with all dishes expertly matched with wines chosen by his Sommelier, which makes for a taste journey which celebrates the best of Scotland’s land and sea.
“The pre-dinner, up-close performance from members of our Tattoo cast will be unforgettable and something guests will treasure. I expect tickets for this dining experience will be snapped up quickly so I’d urge anyone interested to get in touch with us soon.”
Tom Kitchin said: “It’s an honour to be part of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo in this way and create this exclusive dining experience.
“I’ve had the pleasure of watching and admiring the Tattoo from afar for a number of years, so the chance to partner with such a world class organisation and combine our two worlds is incredible.
“I’m really looking forward to welcoming guests to Ramsay Garden to share my own culinary story on what is sure to be a host of memorable evenings.”
Tickets for The Tom Kitchin Dining Experience are priced at £1,200 per person and are available on Friday 18, Saturday 19, Friday 25, and Saturday 26 August at 6.00pm for a 9.30pm performance.
The hospitality packages are on sale from Saturday 24 June 2023.
The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo also offers a range of other hospitality packages to enhance and elevate the overall Tattoo experience.
Located moments from the arena, Cannonball House is one of 10 hospitality packages on offer. Other packages include dining in Edinburgh Castle, sampling the finest Scotch Whisky at the Scotch Whisky Experience and a VIP dining experience in The Royal Gallery overlooking the Castle Esplanade.
All hospitality tickets include a prime seat in the outdoor arena with exceptional views of the performance, a dedicated host for the evening and a Tattoo Souvenir programme.
The 2023 Show, Stories will be staged between 4-26 August, and will be a celebration of sagas, myths, and legends, transporting audiences on a journey of ideas – from the earliest campfire stories through to the world stage.
Building on last year’s successful return show, Voices, the 2023 performance, with Presenting Partner, Innis & Gunn, will showcase performers from around the globe, telling tales that connect us through our unique and shared military and cultural heritages. Pre-order is available now at edintattoodrinks.co.uk.
More information on the hospitality packages available and tickets for Stories can be found online at edintattoo.co.uk/tickets or on the phone on 0131 225 1188.
