Meet the Cast of the 2024 Tattoo
In 2024, we’re excited to present Journeys! A Show that will transport audiences on an international cultural journey, bringing together the voices and stories that connect our cast, audiences, and cultures of the Tattoo.
With the Royal Navy at its helm, our Journeys Show will celebrate nautical themes whilst taking audiences on a musical journey around the globe. In addition to the renowned musicianship of His Majesty’s Royal Marines Bands, this year’s Show will feature performances from Switzerland, the United Kingdom, India, Australia, Canada and the United States of America.
Meet our Journeys cast:
The Massed Pipes and Drums
Ever a Tattoo favourite, our Massed Pipes and Drums are made up of military and civilian bands from around the world. Their dramatic entrance across Edinburgh Castle’s historic drawbridge is unparalleled. Find out more about the Pipe Bands that make up this year’s Massed Pipes and Drums below.
- Pipes and Drums of 1st Battalion Scots Guards: The Scots Guards are the 3rd Regiment of foot guards in the British Army Household Division. Soldiers first and foremost, the Pipes and Drums also perform in numerous Royal, Military and Ceremonial duties throughout the year. The Band have participated in our Show since our inception in 1950 and we are delighted to welcome them again this year.
- Drums and Pipes 1st Battalion Irish Guards: Forged in the First World War, the Drums and Pipes 1st Battalion Irish Guards carry a legacy steeped in valour and tradition. In addition to their role as soldiers, serving in Military Operations around the world, these musicians perform on ceremonial duties such as Trooping the Colour and Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle.
- Pipes and Drums of The Royal Gurkha Rifles: The Pipes and Drums of The Royal Gurkha Rifles represent a storied tradition that spans over 200 years. Originating from the heart of the Himalayas, these musicians stand as a testament to the enduring bond between Nepal and the United Kingdom.
- Australian Federal Police Pipes and Drums: Founded in 1979, the Australian Federal Police Pipes and Drums embody a journey of honour, remembrance, and community. Straight from the heart of Canberra, this ensemble brings together the service of current and former Australian Federal Police officers, Defence Force members, and civilian volunteers. For many, the Tattoo isn’t just a performance but a poignant homecoming, an act of reconnecting with their roots.
- Brisbane Boys' College Pipes and Drums: Formed on the cusp of the Second World War, the Brisbane Boys’ College Pipes and Drums has grown from a humble fife and drum ensemble into an outstanding symbol of tradition and excellence. From the youngest pipers, just 12-years-old, to seasoned members, this group showcases the best of Queensland’s Brisbane Boys’ College on the world-stage.
- Royal Canadian Mounted Police Pipes and Drums: The Royal Canadian Mounted Police Pipes and Drums reflect Canada's vastness and embody national pride and volunteerism. From Halifax’s Atlantic shores to Vancouver’s Pacific coast, they testify to an incredible journey of commitment. Wearing their iconic scarlet red tunic and Royal Canadian Mounted Police Tartan, the group are easily recognisable within our Massed Pipes and Drums cast.
- Combined Pipes and Drums of the Royal Tank regiment and Scottish and North Irish Yeomanry: Formed especially for August, pipers and drummers from both The Royal Tank Regiment and Scottish and North Irish Yeomanry have joined together to perform at our Journeys Show. Both have a rich history dating back centuries. The Scottish and North Irish Yeomanry are born from storied legacies of the Ayrshire, Lothian, Fife, and Forfar Yeomanries, and particularly the Pipes and Drums of the Scottish Horse and Lovat Scouts. Whilst The Royal Tank Regiment can trace their origin back to the oldest tank regiment on earth! These groups will celebrate the coming together of time-honoured traditions and modern dynamism.
The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo Performers
We take great pride in presenting our very own Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo Performers including Highland Dancers, Pipes and Drums, and Fiddlers. They’ll showcase Scottish traditional music and dance throughout our Journeys Show.
The Massed Bands of His Majesty's Royal Marines
Celebrating our Navy lead, the Massed Bands of His Majesty’s Royal Marines will showcase precision display, musical excellence and their world-famous Corps of Drums. Led by their new Principal Director of Music, Lieutenant Colonel Huw Williams and Corps Drum Major, Warrant Officer First Class Chris Mace MVO, musicians and buglers from all five bands will transport audiences on a musical voyage with sea shanties, traditional Naval tunes and a couple of contemporary surprises!
Majesticks Drum Corps
Prepare to be wowed. From the home of superior craftsmanship comes an act whose precision isn’t just a concept, it’s a thrilling spectacle. Get ready for a display of percussive power to light up the night. Making their Tattoo debut, Majesticks Drum Corps, hail from Switzerland. The group, comprising of 30 drummers, will showcase their extraordinary skills, entertaining audiences with incredible timing, showmanship, and a touch of humour.
India Teamworks Arts
We’re delighted to welcome India Teamwork Arts back to the Edinburgh Castle Esplanade. The group last performed at our Show in 2017, bringing their vibrant routine showcasing Bhangra, Bollywood and Rajasthan pipers. Breaking from tradition, Teamwork Arts will present an all-female Bhangra performance. With their up-tempo routine showcasing the evolution of Indian culture, this group will have our audiences dancing in their seats!
The Citadel Regimental Band and Pipes
Hailing from Charleston's iconic military academy, The Citadel Regimental Band and Pipes blend cadet camaraderie with the stirring sounds of military tradition. The group will transform the Edinburgh Castle Esplanade showcasing the journey of American music, featuring old school American favourites with high energy and contemporary twists. Highlighting the groups versatility, The Citadel Regimental Pipe Band will also join this year’s Massed Pipes and Drums.
United States Navy Ceremonial Guard
Visiting from Washington DC, the United States Navy Ceremonial Drill Team’s primary mission is to represent the U.S Navy in Presidential, Military and public ceremonies. This summer, the Guard will immerse our Journeys audiences with an authentic silent Naval drill and weapon handling performance, often performed for Presidential occasions. A dramatic routine, not to be missed!
United States Sea Service Band
Hailing from the United States of America, the Quantico Marine Corp Band, United States Naval Forces Europe and Africa Band and The United States Coast Guard Band will join to become the United States Sea Service Band. Formed especially for our Journeys Show, their performance, with its combination of smooth, enriching jazz and lively, energetic pop, will be a true representation of the symbolic harmony we embrace.
The Lone Piper
Set high on the Edinburgh Castle ramparts our Tattoo Lone Piper sets a stoic silhouette. A key part of our Show, the Lone Piper marks a moment of reflection to close our August Show.
