First Minister John Swinney attended The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo last night (Wednesday 14 August) to fulfil the prestigious role as Salute Taker for the Show at Edinburgh Castle’s Esplanade.
Mr Swinney was met by Jason Barrett, Chief Executive Officer of the Tattoo, before taking his seat in the Royal Gallery to enjoy this year’s Show Journeys, which honours the seafarers who courageously traverse the oceans to connect people and cultures across continents.
The First Minister was part of the crowd to enjoy 800 talented performers from across the world, in a powerful display that embraces both tradition and modernity, through the creative light shows, drill, dance and so much more.
Journeys, runs until Saturday 24 August 2024, with tickets still available to purchase: edintattoo.co.uk/tickets or by calling +44 (0)131 225 1188.
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.
ROYAL EDINBURGH MILITARY TATTOO ANNOUNCES FIRST ACT FOR 2024
Not content with the traditional festive 12 drummers, The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo is upping the stakes with 30 drummers set to perform as part of Majesticks Drum Corps next year
The announcement follows an incredible 2023 Show run, with a host of performers dazzling the capital throughout last August
Swiss drumming group, Majesticks Drum Corps, has been announced as the first act set to wow crowds when The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo returns to the Castle Esplanade in 2024.
The dynamic drumline will bring its precision drill routine to the capital and serve as a showcase of the extraordinary skills of around 30 drummers, entertaining audiences with incredible timing, showmanship, and a touch of humour.
Formed in 2011, the Swiss drumming sensation has wowed crowds across the world, including in France, Germany and Malta but will make its Tattoo debut at next year’s Journeys performance.
Majesticks aim to offer visually attractive and innovative presentations in their performances, using a mix of special effects and original staging which ensures a spectacular and memorable performance for Tattoo fans.
Next year’s routine is expected to be a vibrant offering which treads the line between modernity and tradition. The music and all aspects of the display are composed by members of the group, who will be using a selection of snare drums, bass drums and cymbals.
The first act announcement follows a triumphant Show run throughout August for the Tattoo and almost a quarter of a million guests set to enjoy a celebration of the art of journeys at next year’s performance.
Tickets are already on sale, in time to make the perfect Christmas gift that offers a unique experience that will provide memories for years to come.
Jason Barrett, Chief Executive at The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, said: “The bar’s set incredibly high when it comes to acts for the Tattoo so it’s imperative that we work with those that are of the highest standard.
“That’s something that can certainly be said for the Majesticks Drum Corps, who I can’t wait to see as part of Journeys next year.
“Known for their incredible precision drill, they’re sure to set the Esplanade alight, delighting audiences with unbelievable displays of skill and smooth transitions as the group swap drumsticks and change drums in a mesmerising display.
“I’d encourage people to snap up their tickets quickly and keep an eye out for the next acts to be announced as I can assure you, you don’t want to miss out.”
This year, the Show saw 56 Tattoo dancers and 240 Pipers and Drummers take to the Castle Esplanade to tell their story, with 168 dance shoes worn – three pairs per dancer – and 340 drumsticks banged against 170 drums.
Ludovic Frochaux, Artistic Director of Majesticks Drum Corps, said: “We’re very excited to be bringing our electric and dynamic performance to The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo in 2024 and look forward to performing for audiences on the iconic Edinburgh Castle Esplanade.
“Audiences should pay close attention to the way our performers display precision in their marching and drumming skills and keep their ears open to appreciate all that our performance has to offer.”
The 2024 Show, Journeys, will transport audiences on an international cultural journey, bringing together the voices and stories that connect the worldwide cultures of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo. With the Royal Navy taking on the role of lead service, the Show will be a journey through time, celebrating the tides of change.
Journeys will continue to share the tales of performers and acts from around the globe, developing the theme through visual storytelling and taking audiences on a journey of imagination, wonder and amazement.
To purchase tickets for next summer’s Show, please visit edintattoo.co.uk/tickets or call 0131 225 1188.
