Last night (16 August), marked the halfway point of this year’s The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo.
Performers from across the globe are bringing the Castle Esplanade to life with sensational music, dance, costume, and spectacle and thrilling audiences – come rain or shine!
Running until 27 August, the year’s Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo is a celebration of expression, giving a stage to performers and acts from around the globe to share their voice.
REMT, The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo
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.
There are still some tickets remaining and they can be purchased at edintattoo.co.uk/tickets or by phone on 0131 225 1188.
Over the weekend First Minister Nicola Sturgeon attended The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo. Seated in the Royal Gallery, Ms Sturgeon was accompanied by a group of Ukrainian teenagers, currently residing in Scotland to take in the spectacle of this year’s Show, Voices.
On arrival, the Tattoo gave each of the teenagers a specially designed Tattoo t-shirt inspired by the Ukrainian flag and the special projections included in this year’s show.
In March 2022, The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo showed its support for the people of Ukraine by flying the Ukrainian flag high above their Cockburn Street Office, while opening their shop doors to function as a pop-up donation hub in support of the work of the Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain.
Alongside this, the Tattoo made a charitable donation of £20,000 to the Disasters Emergency Appeal; it is now furthering its support of the relief efforts by launching these Ukrainian dedicated t-shirts with £10 from each sale being donated to the Association of Ukrainians in Edinburgh to fund their excellent work with refugees to Scotland.
Buster Howes, Chief Executive of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, said:“It is always an honour to welcome the First Minister to The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, but it was even more significant to host her alongside these young people from Ukraine.
“The Tattoo is a celebration of the connections, culture and creativity which frame our common humanity, and which unite us all; we are always delighted to introduce young people to the vivid multinational spectacle we present. We stand resolutely alongside the embattled people of Ukraine.”
Over 900 performers from across the globe are taking part in this year’s Tattoo. Voices, is a celebration of expression, giving a stage to performers and acts from around the globe to share their voices through the spoken word, song, music, and dance.
You can purchase these special edition t-shirts at online at www.edintattoo.co.uk, The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo Shop & Box Office, located at 1 Cockburn Street in Edinburgh or at the Retail Kiosks at the Show.
The Show runs until 27 August 2022. Limited tickets are still available and can be purchased at edintattoo.co.uk/tickets or on the phone on 0131 225 1188.
More than 900 performers graced Edinburgh Castle’s Esplanade to celebrate expression and share their creative voice
Performers from across the globe are sure to wow audiences with sensational music, dance, costume, and spectacle as The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo makes its highly anticipated return tonight with this year’s Show, Voices.
Running until 27 August, the year’s Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo is a celebration of expression, giving a stage to performers and acts from around the globe 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.
Tonight’s performance will mark the inaugural Show from the Tattoo’s new Creative Director, Michael Braithwaite who alongside new creative production partners are introducing a brand-new approach to pre-show with street style drummers welcoming audiences onto the Esplanade. For the very first time there will be staging on the Esplanade and soundscapes tying each spectacular performance together, with the Show being opened with original composition and vocals from The Highland Divas.
Audiences will experience stunning musical and cultural showcases from performers from Mexico, The United States, Switzerland, Germany, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, alongside homegrown talent from the UK at the centre of it all.
Musicians from the Army are reinforced by the UK’s finest military musicians, the legendary musicianship of the Massed Pipes and Drums echoing across the Esplanade and the dazzling talent of the Tattoo Dancers and Tattoo Fiddlers.
The Tattoo performers also gave an exhilarating performance of ‘Shake that Bagpipe’ with never-before-seen at the Show, Electro Pipes, taking centre stage with a DJ and a high energy, colourful dance act.
Buster Howes, Chief Executive of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, said:“Seeing the Castle Esplanade come alive with the colour, music, word-class talent and of course, for our audiences to once again join us, is exactly the come-back we wanted.
“We set out to ensure that the 2022 Tattoo was a welcome return and a celebration of the connections, cultures and languages that bring people together time after time on the Esplanade of Edinburgh’s 3,000-year-old fortress. After last night’s preview performance, the first Show from our new Creative Director, Michael Braithwaite, I’m sure everyone will agree we have done just that.
“I’ve been blown away by the talents on display during rehearsals and I’m confident the audience will be able to feel the electric atmosphere on the Esplanade tonight! There’s still time to grab tickets throughout August, and I would encourage anyone looking for a great night out to come and experience the magic of the Tattoo.”
International performers this year include Tattoo favourites the New Zealand Army Band with this year’s dynamic performance marking their seventh appearance on the Castle Esplanade.
Banda Monumental will storm the stage with over 100 performers bringing stunningly dramatic costume and the bright carnival atmosphere of Mexico to their show stopping performance.
Swiss drumming sensation, The Top Secret Drum Corps are set to captivate audiences with their energetic precision drumming which has received global recognition since their first performance with the Tattoo in 2003.
While The United States Air Force Honor Guard, the official ceremonial unit of the Air Force, will make their return to the Tattoo this year with its lively display of precision drill.
Playing a vital role in this year’s show were Tattoo newcomers and world-renowned performers The Highland Divas whose vocals were used throughout the show in soundscapes. Audiences were treated to a unique musical journey that showcased the best of the Divas awe inspiring voices.
The United States Army Field Band will make theirTattoo debutbringing military mash-ups of traditional and contemporary hits to the Edinburgh Castle Esplanade for the very first time.
The full line up for 2022 also includes: The Band of the Royal Regiment of Scotland, British Army Band Colchester, British Army Band Sandhurst, The Countess of Wessex’s String Orchestra, The Royal Highland Fusiliers, 2nd Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland Pipes and Drums, The Black Watch, 3rd Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland Pipes and Drums, The Highlanders, 4th Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland Pipes and Drums, Combined Scottish Universities Officers’ Training Corps Pipes and Drums, Royal Air Force Pipes and Drums, The Crossed Swords Pipes and Drums, Brisbane Boys College Pipes and Drums, Paris Port Dover Pipes and Drums, The Pipes and Drums of Christchurch City, and Erskine Stewart’s Melville Schools Choir.
The Show will run until 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.
Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal today attended one of the final rehearsals of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo ahead of its official opening night tomorrow (Friday 5 August).
All performers from this year’s Show, Voices, took part in the rehearsal at the Redford Barracks, giving Her Royal Highness an exclusive preview of their stunning musical and cultural showcases and military precision.
Over 900 performers from across the globe are taking part in this year’s Tattoo. Voices, is a celebration of expression, giving a stage to performers and acts from around the globe to share their voices through spoken word, song, music and dance.
Crowds will gather at Edinburgh Castle this summer, from 5 August – 27 August, for the cultural spectacular, which returns for the first time since 2019.
Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at edintattoo.co.uk/tickets or on the phone on 0131 225 1188.
This year’s international acts for The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo have officially arrived at Edinburgh Castle’s Esplanade for this year’s Show, Voices.
Performers from the New Zealand Army Band, The United States Army Field Band, The United States Air Force Honor Guard Drill Team, Top Secret Drum Corps, Banda Monumental De Mexico and Highland Divas will wow crowds on the Castle Esplanade from 5 August – 27 August.
This year’s Show, Voices, is a celebration of people across the world who, despite physical separation, continue to connect and share their voices trough spoken word, song, music, and dance.
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.
Crowds at this year’s Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo are set to be taken on a thrilling Scottish musical journey by one of New York’s leading vocal groups at the 2022 showcase, Voices.
The Highland Divas will be showcasing their talentand sharing three incredible voices, making their debut on the Edinburgh Castle Esplanade.
The Highland Divas are made up of Marla Kavanaugh, originally from Dunedin, New Zealand, and now living in LA, Margaret Kelly, originally from Falkirk, now residing in New York, and Georgia Johnson from Edinburgh, who is now based in Massachusetts.
With a collective ambition to share traditional Scottish music with the world and honour Scottish culture, the trio were formed in 2012. They’ve headlined New York City Tartan Week in recent years and have performed at iconic venues including, Madison Square Garden, Carnegie Hall and the Lincoln Centre.
The performance at the Tattoo will wow audiences with its musical journey that spans the folk music of Scotland and New Zealand. From Celtic ballads, through to exciting, harmonised interpretations of both pop and classical music, the Highland Divas’ performance will have something for everyone.
One of the singing trio, Marla Kavanaugh, said: “We really want our performance to speak to the hearts of everyone whose lives have been disrupted or changed forever because of the challenges of the past two years.
“We want to bring hope and joy to the Tattoo this year with our performance and our voices. We’re spending a lot of time together just now rehearsing and learning the Scots Gaelic we need over a nice wee cup of Scottish Blend tea.
“We’re so excited and humbled to have the opportunity to perform in front of such amazing fans from around the world who will descend on Edinburgh this summer.”
The group have all grown up as huge fans of the Tattoo and have watched the performances from afar over the years.
Their set will include traditional Celtic songs, as well as a nod to New Zealand, creating a wow moment on the Esplanade and give a heartfelt expression of this year’s Tattoo theme, Voices.
Michael Braithwaite, Creative Director of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo said:“We’re thrilled to be welcoming The Highland Divas to the Tattoo, fresh from their recent performances at Carnegie Hall and Madison Square Gardens in New York City.
“World-class vocalists of this calibre are an exciting new addition to our lineup and are the perfect fit for this year’s show, Voices.
“We have some special surprises planned when The Highland Divas take to the Esplanade of Edinburgh Castle and can’t wait to share the magic with our audiences.
“If you haven’t booked tickets already, then I’d urge people to get moving. It’s going to be an incredible show.”
This year’s Tattoo performance will represent the collective power and connection of voice through a spectacular combination of music, dance, and military precision from some of the world’s leading armed forces and cultural performers as it returns with a bang this August 5-27.
The Show will run from 5-27 August 2022. Tickets are on sale and can be purchased at edintattoo.co.uk/tickets or on the phone on 0131 225 1188.
Mexican military band, Banda Monumental de Mexico, will be taking over the iconic Edinburgh Castle Esplanade when they return with another show-stopping performance ‘Mexico Celebrates Life’ to this year’s Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo in August.
To mark Her Majesty The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, part of the performance will be dedicated to Her Majesty and Duke of Edinburgh with a special Monarch butterfly wing costume created in her honour.
Julieta Huerta Aviles, one of the youngest dancers in Banda Monumental de Mexico, was the driving force behind the idea to include the beautiful butterfly wing costumes in this year’s showcase.
Her inspiration is a famous photograph taken of the late Duke of Edinburgh watching the Monarch Butterfly’s migration on a trip to Mexico in 1988 – part of a trip he attended to support a Mexican conservation group whose aim was to protect the Monarch Butterfly from serious threats to the species’ survival.
Julieta Huerta Aviles, performer with Banda Monumental de Mexico said: “The opportunity to share our country’s music and culture with so many people at this year’s Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo is a real privilege.
“The photograph of Prince Philip with the Monarch butterflies is incredibly beautiful and with it being The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee this year, it felt only right that part of our performance and costume honoured both of them in a special way. I am so excited to perform at the Tattoo and I can’t wait to see the costumes take centre stage.”
In 2010, the Tattoo was presented with the official Royal Commemoration by Her Majesty to mark the organisations 60th anniversary and has since been known as The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo. As part of the Jubilee celebrations, over 50 Tattoo Dancers performed at ‘A Gallop Through History’ which took place at Windsor Castle.
Michael Braithwaite, The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo Creative Director, said: “It’s such a thrill to have the dynamic and exciting Banda Monumental de Mexico return to the Tattoo this year. Our audience can expect an even bigger spectacle than before, and we can’t wait.
“With the country celebrating The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee this year it’s wonderful to see the performers from Banda Monumental de Mexico pay tribute to both Her Majesty The Queen and Duke of Edinburgh in such a poignant way, connecting back to their Mexican roots and culture. We’re excited to see the costumes dazzle in all their glory on the Esplanade.”
All performers from Banda Monumental de Mexico reside from Tehuacán, a town in the state of Puebla which is famously known as the birthplace of many of the greatest musicians in Mexico.
The military band is made up of 120 members between the ages of 12 and 53. The band was formed exclusively for the 2018 Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo by the Organizacion Cultural de Intercambios Internacionales México and saw more than 100 performers brought together proudly to share traditional Mariachi music.
This year’s Tattoo theme is ‘Voices’ and the Show will represent the collective power and connection of voice through a spectacular combination of music, dance and military precision from some of the world’s leading armed forces and cultural performers as it returns with a bang this August 5 – 27.
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.
This August, The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo will make its highly anticipated return with this year’s show, Voices. Staged on the iconic Edinburgh Castle Esplanade between 5-27 August, the show will be a celebration of expression, giving a stage to performers and acts from around the globe to share their voice.
This year’s show is the first from the Tattoo’s new Creative Director, Michael Braithwaite, who along with new partners in production design, lighting, audio, costume, and projection will showcase his vision for Tattoo this year.
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.
Over 800 performers from across the globe will take part in in this year’s Tattoo, bringing with them incredible music, dance, and performance talents. There will be cultural showcases and musical presentations by performers from Mexico,
The United States, Switzerland, Germany, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand along with homegrown talent from the UK. Military acts will continue to play a central role in the performance, with the Army confirmed as the lead service this year.
Audiences can expect to hear the legendary sound of the Massed Pipes and Drums that will echo around the Esplanade as part of Voices, supported by Tattoo Pipes and Drums, Tattoo Dancers, Tattoo Fiddlers, and musicians from UK Military Regiments.
Joining the already announced iconic The Top Secret Drum Corps, over 100 performers from the Banda Monumental de Mexico will return to the Esplanade this year bringing energetic, colourful carnival energy to the Show.
The renowned and incredibly talented Highland Divas will make their Tattoo debut this year, bringing their showstopping vocals to Voices. The crowd will be taken on an exhilarating musical journey showcasing the Divas’ eclectic repertoire including the Folk Music of Ireland, Scotland, and New Zealand.
Fan favourites New Zealand Army Band will also be part of the Tattoo’s triumphant return this summer. This will mark their seventh appearance, having last appeared at the Castle Esplanade in 2019, and audiences can once again expect an energetic performance that will dazzle and amaze.
Celebrated as the Musical Ambassadors of the Army, The United States Army Field Band will make their Tattoo debut this year, exciting and entertaining the crowd with a marching, military mash up of traditional and contemporary music.
While The United States Air Force Honor Guard, the official ceremonial unit of the Air Force, will make its return to the Tattoo this year with its dynamic display of precision drill.
Michael Braithwaite, Creative Director of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, said: “This year, the Tattoo is inspired by people all over the world who have found a way to connect with each other through their creative voice and the Show will celebrate this expression by bringing together over 800 performers on Edinburgh Castle’s iconic Esplanade.
“The team and I are working collaboratively with our new production partners and all the acts to ensure the key elements of the Voices theme run through everything from the lighting, costume design, projections and of course, the music and vocals.
“For the very first time we will feature grand staging on the Esplanade, and we are taking a new approach to the pre-show segment with plans in place to enhance audience engagement and involvement further. For 2022, various voices within the Show will carry the story and intricate soundscapes have been produced to tie each of the performances together in an immersive experience for audiences.”
2022 will mark the first Show under The Tattoo’s bold new brand proposition, Performance in a New Light, which embraces military tradition and combines it with exciting new innovations and contemporary touches.
Voices will ensure that the 2022 Tattoo is a welcome return and a celebration of the connections, cultures and languages that bring people together in the iconic Edinburgh Castle setting.
In 2023, the Tattoo will present Stories on the Esplanade of Edinburgh Castle. A show curated to share the stories of the performers and acts from around the globe. While 2022 will give a voice to these acts through the theme Voices, 2023 will see this continued through storytelling elements. For the first time ever tickets for The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo will go on sale during the August run for the following year.
Buster Howes, Chief Executive of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, said:“2022 marks a new era for the Show, and I look forward to showcasing the spectacular themes, creative and the incredible talent of the acts that will feature in both Voices and Stories.
“With world-class talent being added to our Board, our internal team and our partner suppliers this year, the Show is taking a new, revigorated and creative direction which we know will produce a truly spectacular Show. The acts, as ever, will showcase a must-see spectacle that excites audiences with a blend of fresh and modern performances, with the traditional, military elements that its known and loved for.
“More than anything, we hope people from all walks of life can come together to experience Voices and the magic of the Tattoo.”
The full line up for 2022 also includes: The Royal Regiment of Scotland Band, British Army Band Colchester, British Army Band Sandhurst, The Countess of Wessex’s String Orchestra, 2 SCOTS P&D, 3 SCOTS P&D, 4 SCOTS P&D, CUOTC P&D, RAF Pipes & Drums, The Crossed Swords Pipes and Drums, Brisbane Boys College, Paris Port Dover Pipes & Drums and City of Christchurch Pipes and Drums.
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.
The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo will celebrate the power of connection with a spectacular combination of music, dance and military precision from some of the world’s leading armed forces and cultural performers, as it makes its return to the Castle Esplanade in 2022 with a new show titled Voices.
Tickets for the iconic military spectacle go on sale from 1 December 2021, with the show running from 5 – 27 August 2022.
The show is the first from the Tattoo’s new Creative Director, Michael Braithwaite. It draws inspiration from people across the globe who, despite physical separation, continue to connect and share their voices creatively through spoken word, song, writing, music and dance – languages common to all.
Military acts continue to play a central role in the performance, with the Army confirmed as the lead service in 2022. Audiences will enjoy the legendary sound of the Massed Pipes and Drums that will echo around the Esplanade as part of Voices, supported by Tattoo pipers and drummers, and musicians from UK Military Regiments. The Tattoo dancers and Shetland fiddlers also join the line-up, with international acts and further details about Voices announced in the coming months.
Tattoo Creative Director, Michael Braithwaite
Tattoo Creative Director, Michael Braithwaite, says:“Through the challenges and separation of the last two years, people of every culture have used their voices to remain connected. These voices can be found in many ways – the piper through music, the dancer with movement, the poet through words and the drummer with a beat.
“Voices is our desire to make next year’s Tattoo not just a reunion, but a celebration of the connections, cultures and languages that bring us together at the unique setting of Edinburgh Castle.
“I’m hugely excited to play a part in the history and spectacle of the Tattoo, helping it return to the global stage, re-energised and invigorated for a new era.”
Voices is the first show under the Tattoo’s bold new brand proposition, Performance in a New Light. It embraces all the military tradition the Tattoo is known and loved for, while combining exciting new innovations in production effects, lighting and staging, along with world-class appointments to the creative team.
Tickets for next year’s Tattoo can be purchased from 10am on 1st December online at edintattoo.co.uk/tickets or on the phone on 0131 225 1188.
Coram Voice is excited to announce that actor Peter Capaldi will return to host the sixth annual edition of Voices, the creative writing competition for children in care and young care leavers across the country. The competition is now open for entries until 31 March 2021.
Coram Voice, a charity that ensures the voices of children and young people in and around the care system are heard, first launched the competition in 2016 as a platform for care-experienced young people to express their creative talents and share their stories.
Peter said: “It is an honour to host the Voices awards ceremony again this year. The competition is a fantastic opportunity to showcase the creativity and talent of care-experienced young people and builds greater understanding around their lives and experiences.
“I really hope that lots of young people will be inspired to put pen to paper and share their words with us. I can’t wait to read your pieces and wish you the very best of luck!”
The theme of this year’s competition is ‘What Makes Life Good’ and entries can be in any written form including poems, short stories, raps or newspaper articles, with a 500 word limit.
There are four age categories: primary school, lower secondary school (age 11-14), upper secondary school (age 15-17) and care leavers (age 18-25).
Entries will be judged by an expert panel of authors and poets, some of whom are care experienced. The judges are due to be announced shortly, alongside a group of young judges who were finalists in previous years of the competition.
Previous competition entrants have said that participating had inspired them to write more, made them feel appreciated and valued for their talents and helped them to express their emotions about being in care.*
Ryan, winner of the Voices 2020 Primary School category, said: “This brilliant competition gives young people the opportunity to express themselves. I’ve dealt with lots of difficult feelings to be the person I am today and writing helps to clear my head.
“Without entering this competition, I wouldn’t have discovered how much I enjoy writing. We all have a poet inside us – we just need to have a go and write from our hearts.”
Brigid Robinson, Managing Director of Coram Voice, said: “We are delighted to open the 2021 edition of the Voices creative writing competition. The competition has grown year on year, and we are always impressed by the remarkable entries that we receive.
“This year’s theme of ‘What Makes Life Good’ is guaranteed to see more creative and inspiring written pieces from care experienced young people. It is a chance for young people to express what really matters to them and an opportunity to showcase their talents. It is also a reminder that the voices of care experienced children and young people should be centre stage as we learn about their experiences and celebrate their achievements.”
