Wellerman singer reveals ‘pinch-me’ moment as song is included in The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo

Audiences can see it for themselves with 50% off Preview Night tickets on sale now

Scottish musician Nathan Evans has revealed his pride after discovering his hit ‘Wellerman’ will be part of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo this summer.

The 29-year-old shot to fame when the sea shanty went viral across TikTok in 2020 which led to a record deal and a Number 1 single in several countries.

Now it has been revealed that the famous track will form part of the Tattoo performance, with His Majesty’s Royal Marines Band taking it on, alongside some traditional navy tunes and sea shanties.

Nathan said: “What an incredible honour to have my song featured as part of the Tattoo.

“Growing up in Scotland, I think the Tattoo is something you’re always aware of and feel that sense of pride about so to have my song included is a real pinch-me moment.

“Since I released Wellerman, things have obviously changed dramatically for me but this is the icing on the cake and I can’t wait to see the song come to life as part of the amazing performances this summer.”

This year’s Tattoo performances will run from 2-24 August, with guests from around the world coming to experience the Journeys Show.

For fans eager to see the special performance of Wellerman alongside other world-class acts from across the globe, special preview night tickets are on sale from TODAY Monday 24 June, with up to 50% off standard ticket prices.

Journeys will celebrate the journey of connection through music, dance, culture, and military traditions.

The Show will be the third under the Tattoo’s bold brand proposition, Performance in a New Light, and will follow the successes of the last two years shows, Voices and Stories, under creative Director Michael Braithwaite Journeys merges the traditional military elements that the Tattoo is known and loved for, with modern touches through creative projection, technology, costume design and music inspirations.

Michael Braithwaite, Creative Director of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, says “While the Tattoo has a proud history of the very finest world-class military and civilian performances; innovation and Scottish culture have also been a core tradition of the show since its first days.

Nathan’s much-deserved success and passion for Scottish music represent everything we hold dear at the Tattoo. He has taken a 19th century sea shanty and brought it to the modern era to great acclaim. We are thrilled to be presenting Wellerman, as a feature with the Band of His Majesty’s Royal Marines, our lead service, and a highlight of the journey our audience will embark upon this year.”

The Castle Esplanade will be filled with over 800 international performers from far and wide to showcase their epic journey, through vibrant dance, music, visual artistry and so much more.

Expressing their unique cultures, this Show will host talents from the USA, India, Switzerland, Australia, Canada, and homegrown acts from around the UK. Through an artistic odyssey, expect a wide variety of enthralling action featuring world-leading talent.

With the Royal Navy as lead service, the Show will pay homage to the seafarers that brave the ocean to travel across continents bringing people and cultures together

Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at edintattoo.co.uk/tickets or on the phone, 0131 225 1188. The Show will run from 2-24 August 2024, with Presenting Partner, Innis & Gunn, offering a bar service at the event.

Tickets for 2025’s Show celebrating the 75th Anniversary of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo will go on sale in August during Journeys.

Line-up for June’s Royal Highland Hoolie revealed

  • Eight live folk and country music acts will perform across Friday 21st and Saturday 22nd June at The Royal Highland Centre
  • Includes Nathan Evans of Wellerman (Sea Shanty) fame and ‘Cotton Eye Joe’ chart toppers, Rednex

The line-up for this year’s Royal Highland Hoolie, which will see some of Scotland and Ireland’s liveliest musicians take to the stage, has been revealed, with eight folk and country acts set to entertain crowds across two nights in June, the same weekend as the Royal Highland Show.

Joining Friday (21st June) night’s headline act, Tide Lines, who have just released their latest single, Homeward Bound, and recently returned from a European tour to the Netherlands, Denmark, and Germany is six-piece line-up, Trail West, who continue to rise in popularity from their modest roots as a four-piece West Coast Ceilidh Band to an awe-inspiring live act.

The Peatbog Faeries, recognised as one of Scotland’s best known contemporary folk music bands and Tik Tok star and singer, Nathan Evans who’s official Wellerman (Sea Shanty) video has racked up over 300 million views, will complete Friday’s line-up.

On the Saturday (22nd June) night, award-winning Irish country music singer and songwriter, Derek Ryan, returns to headline the Highland Hoolie. He will be joined by Scottish singer Lisa McHugh, Highland accordionist and vocalist, Calum MacPhail and “Cotton Eye Joe” chart toppers, Rednex, whowill make an exclusive appearance.

The Highland Hoolie is run in partnership with promoters Farmers Bash.

Jim Warnock, Chairman of Royal Highland Show organisers, RHASS (the Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland), said: “The Highland Hoolie brings together some of the very best of Scotland and Ireland’s homegrown talent to the Royal Highland Centre.

“With the Royal Highland Show one of Europe’s most prestigious agricultural shows, we are absolutely honoured to have some of the best names across folk and country music join us as to contribute towards what we hope to be a fantastic weekend for the agricultural and wider community.”

Farmers Bash organiser Nigel Campbell, added: “The Highland Hoolie offers something for everyone, whether you’re a fan of the musicians involved or looking to enjoy an evening of live music with friends.

“We’re excited to have some fantastic names join our line-up this year and encourage those hoping to come along to get their tickets early to avoid disappointment.”

Various ticket types are available, including two combined Royal Highland Show and Royal Highland Hoolie tickets which allow for people to enjoy both events at a discounted rate with a limited number of Hoolie only tickets. 

Ticket prices start at £35.00 and are available to buy from the Royal Highland Show website www.royalhighlandshow.org