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.
A tribute to heroism, culture, history and the people who have helped shape the Tattoo over the last 75 years
The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo is back for its landmark 75th edition, honouring the heroes who have shaped its remarkable legacy. This year’s Show, The Heroes Who Made Us, blends military precision, cultural heritage, and artistic brilliance to celebrate the selflessness and dedication of those who have contributed to the Tattoo over the past seven decades.
Ahead of opening night on 1 August, the Cast performed their final dress rehearsal on the iconic Edinburgh Castle Esplanade in front of an eager preview audience. This special anniversary performance pays tribute to the Tattoo’s rich history while embracing its thrilling future.
The British Army takes the Lead Service role this year, joined by a diverse international cast and anchored by the world-class Tattoo performers. With over 900 performers from across the globe, audiences will be treated to an extraordinary journey through time and tradition, featuring talent from the Poland, Switzerland, United Kingdom, Ukraine, and the United States of America.
Blending pageantry with theatrical flair, the 2025 Tattoo reaffirms its position as a unique highlight of the world-renowned Edinburgh festivals. Celebrating values of connection, community, and shared heritage, this year’s performance reflects the enduring spirit that has defined the Tattoo for 75 years – while looking forward to its exciting future.
First across the drawbridge, as is tradition every year, The Massed Pipes and Drums once again fill the hallowed stage of the Edinburgh Castle Esplanade. Comprised of military and civilian pipe bands from across the globe, they set the tone for a performance unlike any other in the world.
In a year dedicated to honouring heroes, The Orchestra of Naval Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, have travelled to Edinburgh, leaving Ukraine for the first time since 2018, due to the challenges of Covid and war to perform an unforgettable set for Tattoo audiences.
Making their Tattoo debut, the United States Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps will bring a slice of American history to Edinburgh with their iconic uniforms and stirring music. Also from America, the United States Air Force Honor Guard returns to showcase their unmatched precision and dedication. Adding further international flair, the Representative Band of the Polish Border Guard will grace the Esplanade for the first time in 15 years.
With a 270 strong choir due to take the stage every night, Erskine Stewart’s Melville Schools (ESMS) Choir, Sing in the City and Ukrainian Community Choirs will join forces to uplift spirits with their powerful harmonies.
A perennial fan favourite, Switzerland’s renowned Top Secret Drum Corps, will once again captivate audiences with their dazzling fusion of Basel drumming and visual spectacle.
Adding something extra special this year, narration returns in the form of evocative storytelling performed by actor Terence Rae. Audiences will be taken on a journey through the rich history of this iconic event, tracing its roots all the way back to its beginnings in 1950.
This 75th Tattoo celebrates cherished traditions while embracing modern elements of light and showmanship, promising an unforgettable experience that will leave audiences in awe.
Alan Lane, Creative Director at The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, said:“We don’t talk about heroes enough in this country. Whether this is military service or volunteers within our society, it is these people that help make life tick along that little bit more smoothly and that deserves to be honoured and celebrated.
“We are in such a unique position that we get to do performances as grand as the Tattoo and that’s why this year, we’re embracing our position at the top of the Castle (quite literally) during the Edinburgh festivals. The Heroes Who Made Us, is a testimony to the artistic nature of the Tattoo and will come with all the bells and whistles that people know us for.
“We cannot wait to welcome back audiences to witness a Show that really lives up to the momentous occasion.”
Jason Barrett, Chief Executive of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo added:“When Alan and I began to conceptualise the theme for 2025 we quickly arrived to something around salute to service and a tribute to our history.
“From that, ‘The Heroes Who Made Us’ was formed. We wanted to honour the heroes who made the Tattoo what it is today, those who serve this wonderful country and those who serve their communities.
“As we do every year, the Show features inspiring acts from around the world. This year we are especially privileged to welcome The Naval Orchestra of Ukraine, the first time they will have left their country since 2018.
“We couldn’t be more excited to celebrate our 75th, honouring our past while imagining our future. Early in 2026 we take the Show to Brisbane and Auckland – Tattoo 75 on tour bringing The Heroes Who Made Us halfway around the world.”
The full line up for 2025 includes: The Band of The Royal Regiment of Scotland, British Army Band Catterick, British Army Band Tidworth, British Army Band Colchester, The Band of the Prince of Wales, Countess of Wessex Strings, Pipes and Drums of 1st Battalion Scots Guards, 2nd Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland, 3rd Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland, 4th Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland, The Pipes And Drums Of The Royal Corps Of Signals, Combined Universities Officer Training Corps Pipes and Drums, The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo Pipes and Drums, Crossed Swords Pipes & Drums, Paris Port Dover Pipes & Drums, The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo Dancers, The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo Fiddlers, Erskine Stewart’s Melville Schools Choir, Ukrainian Children’s Choir, Sing in the City Choir , Top Secret Drum Corps, US Old Guard Fifes and Drum Corps, United States Air Force Honor Guard Drill Team, Ukraine Naval Forces Orchestra and The Representative Band of The Polish Border Guard.
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.
Full line up and Show creative unveiled for The Heroes Who Made Us
The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo gives audiences an exclusive look behind the drawbridge of its landmark 75th Anniversary Show, The Heroes Who Made Us, set to take place at the Edinburgh Castle Esplanade in August 2025.
This year’s milestone event promises to celebrate the past, while imagining the future of the Tattoo. Taking audiences back to where it all began in 1950, with the British Army taking on the prestigious role of the Lead Service, the Show will present music, dance and precision performance that make up the last 75 years of the Tattoo story and beyond.
Over 800 performers, from around the globe, will take to the world-famous Edinburgh Castle Esplanade for the 75th year – including some fan favourites. Joining the iconic Massed Pipes and Drums, Military Musicians and Tattoo Dancers will be Band of the Polish Border Guard, Top Secret Drum Corps, United States Honour Guard Drill Team, Ukraine Naval Forces Orchestra, and United States Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps.
Music is a key part of the Tattoo story, and this August, the Show will recognise the music that has shaped the Tattoo, and the wider world, over the years.
The Show will include poignant songs such as the “74th Slow March” played in honour of the brave souls of the 74th (Highland) Regiment who were steadfast during the sinking of the ‘Birkenhead’ in 1852.
In celebration of 75 years of the Tattoo, the Tattoo Performers will collaborate on a special performance Now That’s What I CallTattoo 75, a section of the Show where audiences will be hard fought to keep their feet still as the performers take on a series of favourite hits from the last seven decades.
Each act is set to bring a flavour of the heroism from their country, regiment or tradition, celebrating those who have contributed to their stories. For Creative Director Alan Lane The Heroes Who Made Us marks his first Show in the new role.
Alan Lane, Creative Director of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, said: “I am deeply honoured to direct my first Tattoo, especially as we approach such a monumental milestone.
“It’s a show I’ve admired as a fan for decades and the team and I have been working on this anniversary year show for over a year now. I cannot wait to unveil it to the audience and start to tell it stories.
“’The Heroes Who Made Us,’ honours both the Tattoo’s history and the everyday heroes who knit out society together with their volunteering, their courage or the inspiration their lives lived provide to the rest of us.
“We’re introducing a storyteller to this year’s show. Terence Rae is a brilliant actor and placing him at the heart of this year’s show will add a layer of theatricality that I am excited for our audience to experience. Terence is a long-time collaborator of mine and I jump at any chance to work with him.
“The creative and production team here is second to none and our constant aim is to blend tradition with innovation, creating a show that respects our legacy while offering fresh and exciting performances. Aways aware of our heritage but driving forward to the future, that’s the aiming mark.”
Alongside the incredible musical performances, audiences can expect a new role within the Show as a Storyteller will take to the Esplanade.
The role, taken on by Scottish actor Terence Rae, will support the storytelling and truly be immersed in the Show. Terence will also spotlight the local heroes who are working to make a difference to the community they serve, a special nod to the charitable ethos of the Tattoo that it has held since 1950.
Terence Rae said:“It is an immense honour to be the Storyteller for the 75th Anniversary Show of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo – The Heroes Who Made Us. I’m excited to play my part in a show which celebrates all those who have shaped the Tattoo’s history over the past 75 years.
“I am deeply grateful to be part of this iconic spectacle, and to work with the outstanding creative and production teams that are here. Preparations have begun, and the excitement for the August Show is building every day. It will be a privilege to step onto the Edinburgh Castle Esplanade with my fellow castmates and play our small part in the mighty Edinburgh Tattoo.”
Jason Barrett, Chief Executive Officer at The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, said: “As we prepare to celebrate our 75th Anniversary Show, it is with great pride and excitement that we unveil ‘The Heroes Who Made Us.‘
“This milestone event is a testament to the enduring legacy and global significance of the Tattoo, and it is a privilege to honour the heroes who have played a pivotal role in shaping our history and communities.
“Under the visionary leadership of our newly appointed Creative Director Alan, we are committed to delivering a show that marries tradition with innovation, creating an unforgettable experience for our audiences. We look forward to sharing this special celebration with the world and continuing to inspire and connect people through the power of performance and storytelling.”
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 full list confirmed acts is: The Band of The Royal Regiment of Scotland, British Army Band Catterick, British Army Band Tidworth, British Army Band Colchester, The Band of the Prince of Wales, Countess of Wessex Strings, Pipes and Drums of 1st Battalion Scots Guards, 2nd Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland, 3rd Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland, 4th Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland, The Pipes And Drums Of The Royal Corps Of Signals, Combined Universities Officer Training Corps Pipes and Drums, The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo Pipes and Drums, Crossed Swords Pipes & Drums, Paris Port Dover Pipes & Drums, The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo Dancers, The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo Fiddlers, Erskine Stewart’s Melville Schools Choir, Ukrainian Children’s Choir, Sing in the City Choir , Top Secret Drum Corps, US Old Guard Fifes and Drum Corps, United States Air Force Honor Guard Drill Team, Ukraine Naval Forces Orchestra and The Representative Band of The Polish Border Guard.
