Set against the backdrop of Edinburgh’s historic castle, The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo is one of the most special events in Edinburgh's calendar. Bringing together audiences from across the globe, the Tattoo celebrates the skills and talents of military bands and cultural performers from around the globe.

There are few such immersive and moving festival moments, a fact to which any of the over 220,000 people who experience it live every year can attest – not to mention the further 100 million watching on television around the globe! Audiences get into the spirit and stamp and cheer to the sounds of the Massed Pipes and Drums, clap along to the Tattoo Dancers and watch in awe at precision drill from military performers. The sounds of the bands can be heard throughout the city, followed by the cheers of the audience, and the glorious projections that light up the Castle.

What makes it special?

• The Tattoo is an iconic Edinburgh event, with music, dance, precision display, and the poignant refrain of the Lone Piper against the stunning backdrop of Edinburgh Castle
• The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo celebrates musicians and performers from all around the world and opens Scotland’s arms to welcome spectators from near and far to join in the fun
• With changing yearly themes, each Tattoo is different from the previous one. Past themes have included Voices, Kaleidoscope, The Sky’s the Limit and East meets West.