ROYAL EDINBURGH MILITARY TATTOO TO CELEBRATE THE UNIFYING BOND OF MUSIC IN 2027
Drumming to take centre stage in a spectacular showcasing music, dance and performance
2027 tickets go on sale as current season comes to a close with an almost sold-out run
The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, one of the world’s greatest immersive events, has announced the theme for its 2027 Show, The Same Heart Beat, as tickets go on sale – today!
Running from 6 – 28 August 2027, next year’s Tattoo will celebrate the unifying and universal bond of music, with drumming taking centre stage. Developed by Creative Director, Alan Lane, the Show promises an unforgettable international production that features some of the finest military acts from around the world, alongside the best of Scottish and British talent. In a unique display of creative collaboration, participants – both cast and audience alike – will unite to experience the sensation of moving to the same beat.
Today also marks the end of this year’s blockbuster season, which attracted more than 220,000 visitors from across the globe, over 26 performances this August. Titled A Call to Gather, the show honoured the Scottish soldiers who answered the call to serve in the First World War. It was narrated by the actor Richard Rankin (Rebus, Outlander), represented by The Call Statue, one of Edinburgh’s famous landmarks – in tribute to these soldiers’ sacrifice.
Bands from New Zealand, Germany, Qatar and the Unites States joined Scotland’s own celebrated military and traditional performers in a collective celebration of culture, community and creativity. It was enjoyed by famous names, including Olympic cyclist Mark Beaumont; Traitors fan-favourite Matty Hyndman; actors Terrence Rea (Outlander) and comedian Craig Hill; and First Minister John Swinney.
Alan Lane, Creative Director of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, said:“The Tattoo stands unique in global performance. It’s an honour to direct this Show and to lead this creative team and cast. The response from our audiences this summer has been overwhelming and positive and a testament to our global cast of performers.
“From the precision drill of Qatar to the Motown of the United States the whole world was on our stage as we celebrated the importance of bringing together to share cultures. I cannot wait to share more about next year, The Same Heart Beat, a new show with the Royal Navy at its core.”
Jason Barrett, Chief Operating Officer of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, added:“As we look ahead to The Same Heart Beat, we are building on the momentum of a landmark year for the Tattoo.
Next year’s Show will celebrate the power of music and performance to bring people together, combining world-class artistry, innovation and military tradition in a way that is uniquely Tattoo.
Following an extraordinary year that saw us perform in Edinburgh, Australia and New Zealand, we remain committed to delivering one of the world’s greatest immersive events while continuing to support military communities and champion Scottish culture through our charitable work.
With demand continuing to grow, I would encourage those hoping to join us in Edinburgh next August to secure their tickets early.”
The 2026 Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo in numbers:
220,000+ guests
26 performances
26 salute takers
800 tonnes of steel used in set construction
35 miles of cabling
180 pipers
54 drummers
Over 33,000 drinks sold
Tickets are on sale now for the 2027 Show and can be purchased at edintattoo.co.uk/tickets or on the phone on 0131 225 1188.
As Britain prepares to welcome the start of the 114th Tour de France in 2027, The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo has been appointed by Grand Départ GB 2027 to deliver the opening moment of the Grand Départ – the iconic official team presentation.
The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo will stage and produce a spectacular opening ceremony celebration to begin the Grand Départ, including the official Presentation of Riders Ceremony for the 2027 Tour de France, on the early evening of Wednesday 30 June. The event will see the world’s top elite cyclists and their teams introduced to fans, ahead of the stage starting in Edinburgh on Friday 2 July, during a spectacular event to be held at The Edinburgh Castle Esplanade.
Blending the Tattoo’s seven decades of world-class outdoor performances with the heritage and energy of the Tour de France, the ceremony will feature the cultures of all three nations that the race passes through, as well as a Highland welcome, massed pipes and drums, a bespoke song created by Angus MacPhail of the iconic Scottish band Skippinish, and cultural showcases celebrating the best of Britain and France. The event will blend elite sport, world-class Scottish traditional arts and community participation.
Jason Barrett, Chief Executive of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoosaid: “We are thrilled to bring the artistry and energy of the Tattoo to the Riders Presentation Ceremony on the Edinburgh Castle Esplanade next year.
“This event is not only a chance to showcase the United Kingdom and Scotland to a global audience, honour the athletes, and inspire millions, it’s also a celebration of our ability to adapt and innovate.
“For over seventy-five years, the Tattoo has delivered unforgettable performances rooted in Scottish tradition, but this marks an exciting new chapter as we expand our production portfolio into other iconic major international events.
“By partnering with the Tour de France, two globally recognised national brands on a world stage, we are creating an experience that will resonate far beyond Edinburgh, leaving a legacy for audiences both at home and abroad.”
Alan Lane, Creative Director at The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo added: “The creative production team have perfected the process of making a Tattoo on the iconic esplanade in front of Edinburgh Castle.
“The opportunity to apply those years of experience in the service of a different global story is exciting all of us. Same breathtaking stage, same traditional Scottish performance at our heart, a different compelling story to be told to the audience!”
Positioning Edinburgh Castle at the heart of an unforgettable international moment for sport and culture, a live audience of 8,500 fans within the arena – and millions watching live globally – will experience a production filled with music, movement, special effects, and storytelling.
In addition to fans at Edinburgh Castle, thousands more are expected to line the Royal Mile to join in the celebrations to ensure that as many fans and residents as possible can watch.
The event will honour the athletes, celebrate the cultures and landscapes of Scotland, England, and Wales, and set the tone for their epic journey of the men’s Tour de France across its opening three stages through the Scottish Borders, the Lake District and north west England, and the heart of Wales across the 2, 3 and 4 July 2027, before Le Tour continues in France.
The 2027 Grands Départs will make history as Britain becomes the first nation outside of France to host both the men’s and women’s race starts in the same year, thanks to the support of funding partners the UK Government, Scottish Government, Welsh Government, UK Sport and British Cycling.
Further details of the celebrations planned ahead of the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift, which begins in Leeds on Friday 30 July, will be announced in the coming months.
Paul Bush OBE, Managing Director, Grand Départ GB Ltd said: “The Grand Départ is always a celebration of sport, culture, and community, and the 2027 edition promises to be something truly special.
“Partnering with The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo to deliver the Presentation of Riders Ceremony allows us to begin the Grand Départ celebrations on a stage unlike any other, in a way that honours British traditions, while sharing our creativity and spirit with the world.
“The Tattoo’s ability to create unforgettable large-scale performances will give the riders, and millions of fans, an opening that sets the tone for the entire Grand Départ and will be remembered long after the peloton has crossed the finish line in Paris.”
Scottish Government Economy and Tourism Secretary Stephen Flynn said: “Teaming up with the Edinburgh Royal Military Tattoo is an amazing way to continue the build-up to the Tour de France Grand Départ 2027.
“Bringing together two extraordinary events – the world’s greatest cycling race and the Military Tattoo, part of Edinburgh’s world-renowned Festival season – will be a spectacle to behold.
“It’s great to see major events teaming up with the local creative sector to enhance the Grand Départ when the eyes of the world will be on Edinburgh.”
Councillor Margaret Graham, Culture and Communities Convener at City of Edinburgh Council, said: “The Grand Départ will be a landmark moment for Edinburgh and a fantastic opportunity to showcase the beauty and heritage of our city to millions of people around the world.
“I’m delighted that The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo will deliver the Presentation of Riders Ceremony, there truly is no better place to begin this historic sporting event than Edinburgh Castle, one of the most iconic landmarks in the world.
“I’m confident it will offer a memorable welcome for competitors and visitors alike, setting the stage for an unforgettable Tour.”
Rob Dickson, Director of Industry & Events, said: “The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo is one of Scotland’s most spectacular cultural events. It’s fitting that the highly experienced and talented team behind the REMT will help deliver a celebration to mark the start of what promises to be one of the biggest sporting events Scotland has ever hosted.
“Major events like the Tour de France Grand Départ shine an international spotlight on Scotland, driving global awareness and delivering lasting benefits for our visitor economy. They demonstrate our ability to host world-class experiences that bring together sport, culture and community on an extraordinary scale; the 2027 Grand Depart will be another global moment in Scotland.”
Gillian MacDonald, Director of Marketing and Engagement at Historic Environment Scotland which manages Edinburgh Castle, said: “Edinburgh Castle has provided a backdrop to many defining moments across Scotland’s history, dominating the skyline of the capital for centuries.
“We’re very proud to be providing the venue for one of the world’s most iconic sporting events, with the Tour de France Grand Départ bringing fans from across the country and around the world to the heart of Edinburgh in what is sure to be a historic occasion.”
Further details of ticketing information for the Edinburgh opening celebration and presentation will be announced in the coming months.
To be the first to find out more and to benefit from an exclusive pre-sale window, subscribe to the Grand Départ GB 2027 newsletter via letourgb.com
Qatari Police Band visits Edinburgh’s restored Palm Houses
The Qatari Police Band, currently performing at this year’s Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, stepped into one of the capital’s most remarkable landmarks as they visited the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh’s newly restored Palm Houses, offering a rare glimpse inside the spectacular space before it officially reopens to the public on the 2nd of October.
The band’s captivating presence created a striking visual within the towering heritage structure, described as the world’s tallest traditional stone-built Palm House, as two distinct worlds came together beneath its newly renovated glass roof.
The Qatari Police Band are among more than 800 performers taking part in this year’s Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, bringing together musicians and performers from across the world for A Call To Gather.
The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo runs until 29 August on Edinburgh Castle’s Esplanade.
New Zealand Army Band brings the Haka to Jupiter Artland
The New Zealand Army Band swapped Edinburgh Castle Esplanade for the great outdoors as they took to Jupiter Artland’s iconic Cells of Life to perform the Haka as part of their appearance at this year’s Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo.
The band’s powerful performance provided a striking Kiwi soundtrack to one of Scotland’s most distinctive art installations, as the musicians join more than 800 performers from around the world at the spectacular “A Call To Gather”.
The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo runs until 29 August at Edinburgh Castle.
The City of Edinburgh’s Lord Provost marked a special milestone this evening as he took on the prestigious role of Salute Taker at The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo opening night, celebrating his final Tattoo in office as Lord Provost.
Taking his place on the Castle Esplanade, the Lord Provost watched this year’s spectacular show, A Call to Gather, joining thousands of audience members as performers from around the world came together in a celebration of music, military tradition and culture.
The evening offered a fitting final Tattoo in office for the Lord Provost, whose role has seen him champion Edinburgh on the global stage and celebrate the city’s rich cultural heritage.
Running from 7 to 29 August, A Call to Gather features more than 800 performers from the UK, Germany, New Zealand, Qatar, the USA and beyond, bringing cultures together on one of the world’s most iconic stages.
A celebration of Scottish identity, international friendship and the power of unity on the world’s most iconic stage
The call has gone out. And it has been answered. This August, more than 800 performers from across the globe have gather at Edinburgh Castle Esplanade for The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo 2026, A Call To Gather.
From Europe, New Zealand, Qatar and the United States, to Scotland’s own world-renowned military and traditional performers, A Call To Gather will see an extraordinary international cast come together for a full programme of music, dance and spectacle. As the 2026 lead service, the Royal Air Force provides the military heart of the show.
Representing the Narrator throughout the production is The Call 1914 Statue, voiced by acclaimed Scottish actor Richard Rankin. The striking bronze monument in West Princes Street Gardens honouring the Scottish soldiers who answered the call from around the world during the First World War. The statue provides a powerful visual link to this year’s central theme, the enduring call to come together.
This year, as the world gathers once again in the heart of Edinburgh, A Call To Gather celebrates not only the extraordinary talent on the Esplanade, but the enduring connections that have brought the Tattoo and its audiences together for more than 75 years. But the spirit of the show reaches far beyond the Esplanade.
The Tattoo will continue its longstanding commitment to charity, donating money raised from the show its charity partners.
Alan Lane, Creative Director at The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, said: “Performers and audiences will come from across the globe, answering the call to join us in Edinburgh, in a celebration of the music, dance and performance.
“The Tattoo is unlike any other show in the world. And every year, we challenge ourselves to delight and move our audience, whilst always honouring the traditions the Tattoo is built on.
“It will forever be the case that the scale, the setting, and the sense of occasion of the Tattoo are extraordinary, and A Call to Gather builds on those foundations with a renewed sense of global connection. There’s never been a more important time to connect with each other through culture.”
Jason Barrett, Chief Executive Officer at The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo:“For more than 75 years, the Tattoo has brought people from Scotland and around the world together through the shared language of music, performance, and culture. A Call to Gather captures that spirit perfectly.
“This summer’s show is a powerful reflection of the unique role the Tattoo plays in bringing people together, and how that impact of sharing cultures reaches far beyond the Esplanade. A role never more important than today. Together we gather, connect, and share something extraordinary – so thank you.”
The full line up for 2026 includes: Central Band of the Royal Air Force, the Band of the Royal Air Force College, the Band of the Royal Air Force Regiment and the Band of the Royal Auxiliary Air Force, the Royal Air Force Salon Orchestra, German Army Band (Heeresmusikkorps) Koblenz, New Zealand Army Band, Qatar Police Academy Band and Drill Team, United States Army Field Band, The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo Performers, Royal Air Force Massed Military Bands, The 10th Queen’s Own Gurkha Logistic Regiment Pipes And Drums, 154 (Scottish) Regiment Royal Logistic Corps, The Combined Universities Officer Training Corps Pipes And Drums, Vancouver Police Pipes And Drums, The Pipes And Drums Of The Queen’s Royal Hussars and The Royal Dragoon Guards and 1st Battalion The Royal Irish Regiment.
The spectacular celebration of music, military precision, culture and connection kicks off tonight (Friday 7 August) and runs until Saturday 29 August 2026.
Tickets for 2026 are limited, but remaining tickets can still be purchased at edintattoo.co.uk/tickets or on the phone, 0131 225 1188.
Following a sold-out run in Brisbane, The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo leaves Australia’s east coast on a high note, with audiences delivering rave reviews and standing ovations at every performance.
Over the past week, more than 1,000 performers from 15 nations came together for The Heroes Who Made Us, a breathtaking production honouring the remarkable individuals who have shaped the Tattoo’s iconic performances over its 75-year history.
From the tarmac welcome at Brisbane Airport to the final curtain call, audiences were treated to the world-famous pageantry that has made the Tattoo a spectacle not to be missed. The Show’s success here marks another unforgettable chapter in its international journey.
Now, the cast and crew have pack their kilts and instruments, crossing the Tasman for Auckland, where the New Zealand leg of the tour will begin and a new audience will share in the magic.
The RAF Benevolent Fund is delighted to announce that The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo has generously awarded a grant of £244,493 following another outstanding Tattoo season in August 2025.
This support follows a year in which the Tattoo delivered its largest-ever combined charitable donations, reinforcing its role as a significant contributor to military welfare and wider cultural causes across the UK.
The Fund is deeply grateful for the substantial grant, which will be dedicated to enhancing its welfare delivery throughout Scotland. As with previous funding from the Tattoo, this contribution will play a vital role in supporting members of the RAF Family facing challenges such as financial hardship or ill health.
The grant will enable the Fund to provide life-changing assistance, including immediate hardship relief and independent living support, helping beneficiaries – many of whom are elderly veterans – remain safe, comfortable, and independent in their own homes.
Air Commodore Simon Harper, Director of Operations at the RAF Benevolent Fund, said: “We are incredibly thankful to The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo for its ongoing support and generosity.
“This significant grant will make a real difference to the lives of RAF veterans, service personnel and their families across Scotland. It ensures we can continue to stand alongside those who need us most, providing both immediate help and longer-term stability.”
The RAF Benevolent Fund has a long and valued relationship with the Tattoo, which has supported the Fund through multiple grants over many years. Previous donations have enabled vital welfare interventions, from essential home adaptations to financial assistance during illness, bereavement or unemployment.
Jason Barrett, Chief Executive of the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, said: “2025 was a monumental year for the Tattoo, and we’re incredibly proud to see its success translated into tangible support for charitable causes, including the RAF Benevolent Fund.
“Our mission has always been to use the platform of the Tattoo to make a meaningful impact in the lives of others. We’re delighted that this year’s grant will support vital welfare work across Scotland for members of the RAF Family.”
The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo continues to celebrate its landmark achievements, having announced in January its largest-ever charitable donation programme, totalling £1.5 million to military and arts organisations following the record-breaking success of its 2025 show, The Heroes Who Made Us.
The Tattoo is a huge immersive event held annually during August and will take place between 7-29 August 2026 with a show entitled A Call to Gather. Tickets can be purchased here.
As well as the RAF Benevolent Fund, the Tattoo also supports the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity, ABF The Soldier’s Charity, and arts charities within the UK.
Landmark contribution marks the Tattoo’s largest ever investment in arts and cultural organisations
The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo has announced the largest charitable donation in its history, awarding a monumental £1.5 million to good causes following the success of its 2025 Show, The Heroes Who Made Us.
The record-breaking total will support 15 military and arts charities, significantly increasing funding across the Tattoo’s full charity portfolio and ensuring vital support reaches organisations working with communities and individuals most in need.
Between 2016 and 2019, the Tattoo donated £1 million annually to charitable causes, before contributions were impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic. Setting an ambitious goal to return to and surpass this figure by 2025, the organisation has now exceeded expectations, marking a major milestone in its 75-year history.
The announcement follows an additional £157,000 donation to St Columba’s Hospice, generated through a 2025 initiative that saw 75p from every ticket sale donated to the Edinburgh hospice.
The charity milestone comes as the organisation looks ahead to its 2026 Show, A Call To Gather, with creative ambitions continuing to evolve under the Tattoo’s Creative Director, Alan Lane (above).
The Show is inspired by tradition rooted in Scottish identity, which saw the gathering of the clans become a gathering of nations, allies, friends, and kindred spirits, all with a shared purpose. The call has gone out to attend the must-see Tattoo performance in the summer of 2026.
Bill Morris LVO, Board Chairman of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, said: “This extraordinary £1.5 million donation represents the very heart of what the Tattoo stands for which is using our global platform to make a meaningful difference.
“The success of the 2025 Show has allowed us not only to honour our past, but to invest in causes that will have a lasting impact on lives across the UK and beyond.
“We are immensely proud of what has been achieved and grateful to everyone who played a part in reaching this milestone.”
Jason Barrett, Chief Executive of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, said: “2025 was a monumental year for the Tattoo, and it’s incredibly special to see that success translated into tangible support for so many charitable causes.
“We are of course proud to continue our long-standing support for our military colleagues, but this year also marks our largest ever donation to the arts. At a time when arts organisations are under increasing pressure, this contribution recognises the powerful connection between the arts, performance and the military – a connection that the Tattoo embodies so successfully.
“This achievement belongs to our performers, our teams, and the audiences who joined us night after night and sets an exciting foundation as we enter 2026.”
The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo returns for their 2026 Show, A Call to Gather, from 7 – 29 August and tickets can be purchased at:
Major Stevie Small MBE, Performance Director at The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, had the unforgettable honour of piping the Scotland National Team onto the pitch ahead of last night’s World Cup Qualifier victory at Hampden.
Dressed in the Tattoo’s Performer’s signature Tartan, Stevie delivered a hair-raising rendition of the national anthem to a sold-out Hampden crowd, setting the tone for a night fans won’t ever forget.
Speaking after the match, Stevie said: “Leading the Scotland team in the national anthem on the night we qualified for the 2026 World Cup was an incredible honour.
“The atmosphere at Hampden was the best I’ve ever experienced, the crowd were so loud I could barely hear myself play. It took me right back to when Kenny Dalglish scored against Wales in ’77 to send us to Argentina.
“Working with the Tattoo has opened the door to so many unexpected opportunities like this, and I feel genuinely privileged.
“And yes… I’ll absolutely be following the team to the World Cup next year. C’mon Scotland!”
The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo returns for their 2026 Show, A Call to Gather, from 7-29 August and tickets can be purchased at edintattoo.co.uk/tickets or on the phone on 0131 225 1188.
