Royal Edinburgh Miltary Tattoo – The NEN

Goodbye, Stories; Hello, Journeys

Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo celebrates triumphant conclusion to 2023 show, STORIES
Tattoo also looks ahead to 2024’s Show JOURNEYS – tickets on sale from today

After an immensely successful 2023 run with Show Stories, this year’s Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo has now officially come to an end.

Starring over 800 international performers and engaging over 200,000 audience members, with only a handful of tickets unsold across the run, this year’s Show has proven to be one of the Tattoo’s most successful to date thanks to continued partnerships and a loyal customer base.

The loyalty of its valued customer base; the continued support from the Festival Edinburgh partners, plus a wider collaboration with many of the city’s stakeholders has all contributed to a successful August for the Edinburgh event.

The Tattoo’s emphatic run was all set against the challenging backdrop of navigating the Cost-of-Living crisis, for both the business and audiences, while also recovering from the ongoing challenges of reduced income during the Covid pandemic, as it delivered its second year of the Tattoo’s bold new brand proposition, Performance in a New Light.

The continued investment and enhanced offering of the Tattoo, including a variety of new hospitality packages and experiences, coupled with the ongoing support from its official supporters including Presenting Partner, Innis & Gunn, has also allowed the Tattoo to continue to grow, evolve and diversify as a business.

International performers from across the globe – including Norway, Switzerland, Trinidad & Tobago, the USA, and homegrown talent from around the UK – dazzled and delighted audiences with performances ranging from Highland dance, fire breathing, to marches performed to tunes from contemporary video games, all underpinned with the strong military heritage and precision that the Tattoo has made its celebrated name on.

In a Royal Air Force lead year, the Tattoo hosted seven flypasts during the August run, which included the RAF Aerobatic Team, the Red Arrows, taking to the skies above Edinburgh Castle.

With the triumphant conclusion of the 2023 Show Stories, the Tattoo team is already getting set to lead audiences onto the next performance with Journeys.

The 2024 Show will transport audiences on an international cultural journey, bringing together the voices and stories that connect the cast, audiences, and cultures of the Tattoo. Tickets for Journeys are now on sale, with the first 25,000 tickets available at 2023 prices.

Jason Barrett, Chief Operating Officer of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, said: “The success of this year’s Tattoo is measured in many ways but nowhere more so than in the faces and genuine emotion expressed by those who attended.

“Stories was the Tattoo’s latest atmospheric spectacular enjoyed by almost a quarter of a million people, illuminating on Edinburgh Castle and filling the capital city’s August nights with the skirl of the massed pipes and drums. We couldn’t be prouder of the team for yet another great performance.”

“But as one chapter closes, another begins, and the team has already embarked on planning next year’s Show, Journeys. Tickets for the 2024 Show, Journeys are on sale from today (28 August 2023), and we are delighted to offer the first 25,000 tickets secured at 2023 prices to ensure as many people as possible get to experience watching the Tattoo live. Book now – you won’t want to miss it.”

**Pics Free to use** Pictured: His Majesty the King’s Guard Band and Drill Team of Norway THE ROYAL EDINBURGH MILITARY TATTOO KICKS OFF AUGUST RUN WITH STUNNING SHOWCASE FOR 2023 – STORIES More than 800 performers graced Edinburgh Castle’s Esplanade to share their stories through song, dance, and military precision – Thursday 3 August 2023: 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 Sw

Journeys will run from 2-24 August 2024, and as always, will feature the military at the heart of the showcase.

Audiences can expect the magnificent sounds of the Massed Pipes and Drums filling up the Esplanade alongside performances from the incredibly talented Tattoo Pipes and Drums and Tattoo Dancers. International acts will join the 2024 line up bringing new cultures and vibrancy to this sought-after spectacle.

Further details about Journeys will be announced in the coming months.

Tickets are on sale now for the 2024 performance and can be purchased at edintattoo.co.uk/tickets or on the phone on 0131 225 1188.

Edinburgh Royal Military Tattoo star makes it through to Britain’s Got Talent sem-final

Fife musician Cammy Barnes is the only Scot to make it to the live shows and returns to Edinburgh Castle to record special video performance

A talented musician who wowed crowds at last year’s Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo has become the only Scot to make it through to the Britain’s Got Talent live semi-finals.

Cammy Barnes, 32, from Fife, won over the BGT judges with a passionate performance of Olivia Rodrigo’s ‘Drivers Licence’ and will now vie for a place in Saturday’s live final.

A barber by trade and gifted bagpiper, Cammy was part of the Electro Pipes performers at last year’s Tattoo, who provided a fresh addition to the Show on the Edinburgh Castle Esplanade, mixing the traditional bagpipes with modern, electronic music, combined with state-of-the-art projection and lighting.

To celebrate his success on the show, the Tattoo welcomed Cammy back to Edinburgh Castle to record a special video performance of Wild Mountain Thyme. Cammy was joined by Stevie Small, Production Manager at the Tattoo, who played the pipes, set against the stunning Edinburgh skyline.

The Tattoo is committed to supporting emerging talent and providing talented performers – like Cammy – with a platform to play to audiences from around the world. He also played a starring role in the Show’s finale last year, singing Walking on the Waves in an emotional and powerful performance alongside Tattoo acts from around the world.

Cammy said: “It was always my dream to play at Edinburgh Castle so I’m forever indebted to the Tattoo and the whole team there for giving me the opportunity to play in such an iconic Show alongside so many talented people from around the world.

“My Dad was actually a lone piper at the Tattoo back in the day, so for it to come full circle, with me performing on the same Castle Esplanade was something really special. The team at the Tattoo are so good about giving fresh talent like me a chance to showcase their skills.

“Little did I know just a year on I’d be auditioning in front of Simon Cowell and the other judges and there’s no doubt that my time performing last year in the Tattoo really helped build my confidence to just go for it. I’d really urge people to snap up tickets for this year’s Show as the whole experience of the Tattoo, whether performing or watching, is a spectacle to behold.

“I can’t thank everyone at the Tattoo enough for their support so far and for giving me the opportunity to come back to perform at Edinburgh Castle alongside Stevie. I really hope I can do them and the whole of the country proud at the semi-finals. I’ll definitely be giving it my all for Scotland!”

Cammy recently became a father to his young daughter Bonnie and aims to make her proud throughout his BGT experience.

Buster Howes, Chief Executive of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, said: “Cammy’s one of those personalities you instantly warm to and we couldn’t be prouder of him and his efforts on Britain’s Got Talent.

“We’re an organisation that places an emphasis on emerging talent so to see Cammy’s talent continue to flourish is fantastic. We were only too happy to help facilitate his special performance of Wild Mountain Thyme at the iconic Edinburgh Castle.

“His energy during both the Electro Pipes and his singing in the finale really captured the imagination at our Show last year and you could feel the buzz he brought to the Esplanade when he and his fellow performers showcased their talents.

“On behalf of everyone at the Tattoo, I wish Cammy all the best in the semi-finals and would urge everyone to get behind him and give him their vote.”

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.

Tickets for Stories can be purchased online at edintattoo.co.uk/tickets or on the phone on 0131 225 1188. To watch Cammy’s special Edinburgh Castle performance, please visit edintattoo.co.uk or the Tattoo’s social channels.

Tattoo marks the 4th of July by celebrating the debut of United States Army Field Band at this year’s show

To celebrate American Independence Day, The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo has revealed further details about the debut of The United States Army Field Band, who will perform on the iconic Edinburgh Castle Esplanade this August.

The band, known worldwide as the Musical Ambassadors of the US Army, and 81 of these musicianswill bringa diverse and dynamic fusion of traditional and contemporary music to their much-anticipated performance for the 5^th – 27^th August run.

For their first ever performance at the Tattoo, members of the Concert Band, Soldiers’ Chorus, Jazz Ambassadors, and newly added rap artists will be performing.

Audiences will be treated to the best of Americana by the band with iconic music including classic pop and indie rock hits that will entertain Tattoo fans of all ages. Staff Sergeants, Lamar Riddick and Nicholas Feemster, will make their Field Band debuts with the Tattoo, bringing rap to the United States Department of Defence and the Edinburgh Castle Esplanade for the first time ever.

The Band was formed in 1946 as a way for America to connect to the Army and share their stories while honouring all of the brave soldiers and veterans. This year, the band’s female vocalists’ will pay tribute to original members of the band through their costumes which have been inspired by the iconic look and fashions of the Andrews Sisters – an American close harmony singing group of the swing and boogie-woogie eras.

Performers from The United States Army Field Band recently featured on “Soundtrack of the American Soldier,” whose production team won the Immersive Audio Album at the 63rd Grammy Awards held in March 2022.

Fellow American performers The United States Air Force Honor Guard Drill Team, who are the official ceremonial unit of the Air Force, will also return to the Esplanade with their dynamic display of precision and skill from one of America’s top display teams.

Michael Braithwaite, Creative Director of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, said: “It’s always a delight to welcome performers to the Tattoo for the first time. And when it’s one of the finest US military bands in existence, direct from Washington DC, then I know our audiences are in for a real treat.

“The US Army Field Band have wowed audiences across the USA for many years and have now put together a brand-new performance just for Edinburgh. They are world renowned for their exceptional music and visual displays and we can’t wait to see them live on the Castle Esplanade.”

This year’s Tattoo performance is called Voices and will be a celebration of expression, giving a stage to performers and acts to share their voice. Voices draws inspiration from people across the globe who, despite physical separation, continue to connect and share their voices creatively through spoken word, song, music, and dance – languages common to all.

Sergeant Major Erica Russo, Director of Operations, of The United States Army Field Band, said: “We were absolutely thrilled to be invited to perform at The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo this year. We are immensely proud and excited to be able to represent the United States of America on such a tremendous international stage.

“Our performance this year is truly presenting the very best of Americana. We’re playing a huge range of music from Leonard Bernstein to modern pop favorites, as well as the extremely exciting inaugural performance of the Department of Defence’s first dedicated rap artists.

“Everyone who attends the Tattoo this year will be able to connect with and enjoy one of the musical elements of our performance and we just cannot wait to get out there on the Esplanade!”

Almost 900 performers from across the globe will take part in in this year’s Tattoo, bringing with them extraordinary music, dance, and performance talents. There will be vivid and exciting acts from Mexico, The United States, Switzerland, Germany, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, along with homegrown talent from the UK. Military personnel will continue to play a central role in the performance, with the Army as the lead Service this year.

Audiences can expect to hear the skirl of the Massed Pipes and Drums that will echo around the Esplanade as part of Voices, supported by Tattoo Pipes and Drums, Tattoo Dance Company, Tattoo Fiddlers, and musicians from a number of UK Military Bands.

The Show will run from 5-27 August 2022. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at edintattoo.co.uk/tickets or on the phone on 0131 225 1188.