Take a stroll through the proud and inspiring 75-year history of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo as it celebrates this special landmark with a free gallery installation at St Andrew Square, opposite the Edinburgh Tram stop.
From Monday 2 December to Monday 16 December, locals and visitors to the capital alike will be able to take a step back in time to immerse in the rich history and evolution of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, from its inception in 1950 to its current status as one of the world’s leading immersive events.
The timeline showcases the heritage and heroes of the Edinburgh Tattoo, bringing together the best of British Military with international performances from a global cast.
Tickets for The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo’s 75th anniversary Show are now on sale and can be purchased at edintattoo.co.uk/tickets or on the phone, 0131 225 1188. The Show will run from 1-23 August 2025.
The arts spectacular is calling on fans to choose a charity to receive a special 75p donation from every ticket sold for the 2025 performance
In celebration of the upcoming 75th anniversary, The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo launches its new initiative to donate 75p of every 2025 Show ticket sold to a new charity.
Tattoo fans are being asked to vote from selected charities to receive this one-off donation which could equate to £162,000 in line with expected ticket sales.
The theme for next year’s Tattoo, The Heroes Who Made Us, will spotlight the individuals who have shaped and supported the iconic performances over the past 75 years. This theme aligns with the Tattoo’s ethos of ‘Performance with a Purpose’ and its commitment to honour people across the country and support the heroes who are making a difference in their communities.
In line with this ethos and in addition to the brand’s annual charitable donations, five charities have been shortlisted to win the share of the 75p per ticket charity donation for one year only.
The shortlisted five charities have been nominated by Tattoo staff who put a case forward for them to be on the list, these are all non-military charities that are close to the hearts of those who put on the iconic spectacle.
They are: the British Heart Foundation, Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity, Parkinsons UK, Rock Trust and St Columba’s Hospice Care.
The Tattoo’s annual charitable giving continues alongside this new initiative, as it aims to build up to pre-Covid donations of £1M a year which is thanks to those who attend the Show each year. Charities that are continuing to benefit include The Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity, the Army Benevolent Fund, the Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund, and the Scottish Schools Pipe and Drums Trust.
Fans of the Tattoo across the UK are invited to cast their vote to determine which charity will receive the 75th anniversary donation.
Voting closes at midnight on Sunday 5 January 2025. Stay updated by following Tattoo social media channels, where the winning charity will be announced in January 2025.
Jason Barrett, Chief Executive Officer at The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, said: “In celebrating 75 years of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, we honour the heroes who have made the Tattoo so great throughout the years. Additionally, we honour the local heroes within our communities in Edinburgh, throughout Scotland, and around the world.
“Charitable giving is at the heart of everything the Tattoo does. Being able to contribute to our longstanding charitable partners as well as selecting a specific charity chosen by the Tattoo fans is a special benefit this year.
“We are committed to continuing our legacy of making a meaningful impact to those who continue to make a difference in our communities every day.
“I encourage everyone to join us in this celebration by casting their vote to support a worthy cause.”
Tickets for The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo’s 75th anniversary Show are now on sale and can be purchased at edintattoo.co.uk/tickets or on the phone, 0131 225 1188. The Show will run from 1-23 August 2025.
The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo’s new Creative Director says bringing the music to ‘life’ and putting the ‘skip’ into the performances are the key aims of his new role as he works towards the 2025 Show – The Heroes Who Made Us.
Taking over the role following the completion of Michael Braithwaite’s three-Show run as the Tattoo’s Creative Director, Alan Lane will be at the helm as the brand celebrates its 75th anniversary next year.
Having spent 20 years working across a variety of outdoor spectaculars and running his own theatre company, Slung Low, Alan has been working closely with the Tattoo team since June in preparation for next year’s performances and wider celebrations.
Speaking of his role and plans for the creative direction of the Tattoo on the latest episode of the Tattoo’s podcast Piping Up, Alan said: “We’re an unbelievable machine, with people doing amazing logistical organisation with real craft and skill. But you can’t make art like that. If you put art into a spreadsheet, you’ll drive yourself mad.
“Picking the song for the bagpipes is not the hard part of the job, it’s more about creating the right environment to do things creatively. Thinking about the folk musicians I’ve been speaking to, they were talking about how a lot of the music we perform was generated by the waulking and the working, so these songs really lived.
“And, like nearly all folk music, they were all passed on by people singing to each other, leading to many beautiful variations. And by knowing this, we have an incredible understanding of what our Show is based on. And the Army codified that music, those bagpipes. Securing it. Forever. But in codifying you lose the skip, so that’s the Show’s job, my job, return the skip. Bring it to life while honouring the tradition.”
Alan grew up with both his father and grandfather in the military and inspired by them became an Army Reservist in 2015. Alan’s experience in the Army Reserve and as creative consultant for the Army Expo 2022 and 2023, will help take Tattoo performances to new dynamic and immersive levels.
He was also co-director of The Awakening in 2023, the opening ceremony of LEEDS 2023 – a year of culture, with the show performed in Headingley Stadium featuring an eclectic mix of dancers, music, and a variety of performances to celebrate the city’s culture.
On plans for next year’s 75th and the Show The Heroes Who Made Us, Alan said: “I got lucky, taking over and having the 75th anniversary. I’ve inherited a really good idea for the performance which is a celebration of all the heroes who made those 75 years possible. That’s not just the performers but also the audience.
“If you take on something as established and loved as the Tattoo, if the first thing you do is honour its roots, I think that will be quite a popular thing to do.
“In this role, you honour and stand on the shoulders of the people who’ve done it before. I didn’t get here because I’m special, I got here because for 75 years beforehand, those people have been brilliant.
“We’re a living, breathing piece of art and of course there’s things a Tattoo performance has to do, but it’s different every year and needs to speak to the moment. It feels like the 75th anniversary is a great point to look at how we got here and reframe our greatest hits.
“People come to see certain things but how do we reframe them? So we have one foot completely understanding its roots and another looking at what it does next, which is when things are at their most thrilling. If you just ask people what they want, you will just have fish and chips every day because you do not know that fajitas exist. Exploring and coming up with things the audience didn’t even know to ask for is why this job exists.”
Alan Lane was speaking on the Tattoo’s Piping Up Podcast, which provides an ‘access all areas’ pass into the creativity and dedication that powers the brand. Listen here.
Tickets for The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo’s 75th anniversary Show, The Heroes Who Made Us are now on sale and can be purchased at edintattoo.co.uk/tickets or on the phone, 0131 225 1188.
The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo now turns attention to next year and its 75th Anniversary with tickets on sale now
Following an odyssey of awe-inspiring performances featuring acts from across the globe, 2024’s Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo has officially come to an end.
The Edinburgh Castle’s hallowed Esplanade hosted over 800 performers, wowing packed crowds night after night, and with its increased capacity, the Tattoo hit an impressive 96% attendance cross the 26 Shows performed.
The third, and final instalment, of Creative Director Michael Brathwaite’s tenure with the Tattoo, Journeys capped off the successes of Voices and Stories. Framed by a time in which togetherness is as important as it has ever been, The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, connected audiences, taking them on a voyage of shared histories and cultures from across the world.
In a dazzling display of lights, dance, music, colour and precision, the Show merged the traditional elements the Tattoo is known and loved for, with modern twists and fresh, creative elements. All brought to life by the wonderfully varied cast from the USA, India, Switzerland, Australia, Canada, and homegrown acts from around the UK.
With a host of offerings, packages, and experiences, Tattoo fans enjoyed the show in myriad ways, including the 10-year anniversary of our partnership with Contini – hosts of our Cannonball hospitality package. The Tattoo also proudly hosted Presenting Partner, Innis & Gunn and Official Vehicle Partner, John Clark Motor Group.
As one fantastic journey ends, another begins, with the Tattoo prepared to celebrate its 75th anniversary next year under the direction of new Creative Director, Alan Lane. The upcoming year promises to be filled with excitement and spectacular performances, with tickets on sale now.
Jason Barrett, Chief Operating Officer of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, said: “This year’s Tattoo had been teed up by two phenomenal performances in Voices and Stories, setting the bar exceedingly high.
“However, between the incredible cast, team and all those who came out to see the Show, Journeys exceeded all our expectations. This was a spectacle that will not just go down as a tremendous performance of the Tattoo, but truly one fitting of the title as one of the greatest shows on earth, and for that, we couldn’t be prouder.
“But as the 74th year of the Tattoo comes to a close and we say a fond farewell to our Creative Director Michael Braithwaite, we look ahead excitedly as Alan Lane takes up the role and takes us to even more dynamic and immersive levels.
“As we celebrate our 75th anniversary and a raft of exciting growth plans, it’s truly set to be a phenomenal year, and I’d urge fans to snap up tickets now to come and enjoy the magic of it all with us.”
Next year, the Tattoo Show will run from 1 -23 August 2025, with further updates to come across the Tattoo website and social channels.
Tickets are on sale now for the 2025 performance and can be purchased at edintattoo.co.uk/tickets or on the phone on 0131 225 1188.
One of the acts dazzling crowds at this year’s Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo has taken its performance to another unique location – the rooftop of the W Edinburgh hotel in the heart of the City.
Swiss drumming group, Majesticks Drum Corps, are bringing precision drill to the capital, showcasing the extraordinary skills of around 30 drummers, entertaining audiences with incredible timing, showmanship, and a touch of humour.
With Official Tattoo Supporters W Edinburgh, set against the stunning backdrop of Edinburgh Castle, Majesticks Drums Corps drummers took to the panoramic W Deck to showcase their intricate routine.
Every evening at The Edinburgh Castle Arena, Majesticks Drum Corps deliver a blend of traditional and contemporary drumming techniques, dazzling the audience with their synchronised movements and powerful rhythms.
Their performance is a visual and auditory marvel bringing together light, fire and precision drill, designed to leave a lasting impression on audiences who’ve gathered from around the world.
For your chance to catch Majesticks in action and stay at the iconic W Edinburgh, head to the Tattoo social channels for your chance to win tickets and an overnight stay. Majesticks Drum Corps will be on show at this year’s Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, which runs from 2 – 24 August 2024.
Lead Service Royal Navy is joined by more than 800 performers on Edinburgh Castle’s iconic Esplanade this August!
The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo has returned to amaze crowds once again with this year’s Show, Journeys.
Providing all the artistic fanfare that Tattoo fans have come to expect, running until 24 August the Show will honour the seafarers who courageously traverse the oceans to connect people and cultures across continents. Joined by the Royal Navy as the Lead Service, talented performers are set to take crowds on an epic journeyof connection through music, dance, culture, and military traditions.
Talents from the USA, India, Switzerland, Australia, Canada, and homegrown acts from around the UK will come together in a powerful display that embraces both tradition and modernity, this artistic odyssey will grasp audiences through the creative projections, drill, dance and so much more.
The Edinburgh Castle Arena will play host to the stirring sounds of the Massed Pipes and Drums, the precision talents of the United States Navy Ceremonial Guard and the poise of the Tattoo Dancers. As well as welcoming US musical talents from The Citadel Regimental Band and Pipes and the United States Sea Service Band – a tri-service band created especially for the 2024 Tattoo.
In a burst of energy and colour, Teamwork Arts India showcase The Rajasthani Bagpiper, The Bhangra Queens, and the Bollywood Ensemble, and Majesticks Drum Corps from Switzerland will dazzle with a display of precision drill.
As Lead Service, the Royal Navy will take centre stage alongside the Royal Marines as The Massed Bands of His Majesty’s Royal Marines perform the National Anthem in a grand finale suitable for one of the greatest shows on earth.
Michael Braithwaite, Creative Director at The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, said: “Journeys is a vibrant celebration of connection between peoples and cultures. As the Tattoo continues to evolve, so do the performers who light up the stage in August.
“I can’t wait for audiences to see the results of the hard work put in over the last year from everyone involved in the show. Audiences are in for a night to remember.
“Journeys merges the traditional military elements that the Tattoo is known and loved for, along with modern touches through creative projection, technology, costume design and music inspirations to create a truly impactful performance.”
The full line-up for 2024 includes: The Massed Bands of His Majesty’s Royal Marines Pipes and Drums of 1st Battalion Scots Guards, 1st Battalion Irish Guards Drums and Pipes, Pipes and Drums of the Royal Gurkha Rifles, Combined Pipes and Drums of The Royal Tank Regiment and Scottish and North Irish Yeomanry, The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo Pipes and Drums, The Citadel Pipes and Drums, Australian Federal Police Pipes and Drums, Brisbane Boys’ College, Royal Canadian Mounted Police Pipes and Drums, The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo Dancers, The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo Fiddlers, The Citadel Regimental Band and Pipes, Majesticks Drum Corps, United States Sea Service Band, United States Navy Ceremonial Guard and Teamwork Arts India.
Tickets are still available 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 on 26 August 2024, with a special pre-sale open to 2024 ticket holders from 5 August.
Redford Barracks hosts final rehearsal for The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo
The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo cast from this year’s Show, Journeys, continue rehearsal week at Redford Barracks ahead of its official opening night on Friday (2 August).
Continuing until Saturday 24 August, the Show will honour the seafarers who courageously traverse the oceans to connect people and cultures across continents. Joined by the Royal Navy as the lead service, a wide array of talented performers are set to take crowds on an epic journey.
With over 800 performers from across the globe, the Edinburgh Castle Esplanade will be filled with a vibrant celebration of music, dance, visual artistry, and military traditions from the USA, India, Switzerland, Australia and home-grown talent.
To witness these world-class acts, Journeys will run from 2 – 24 August 2024, with tickets available to purchase: edintattoo.co.uk/tickets or by calling +44 (0)131 225 1188.
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.
