A swirl of the pipes and flick of the kilt is enough to raise the spirits. Add exciting animation and a blast of fireworks and a night of sublime entertainment is sealed.
Celebrating its 75th anniversary in style, The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo is everything that’s good about tradition.
And the crowds just love it. Voices from all over the world can be heard at the special annual event which runs until 23rd August 2025 and its positive vibes all the way.
It’s simple but magical, with the historic Edinburgh Castle providing the perfect backdrop, all lit up at night with old-fashioned flames for lanterns and modern day lighting to emphasise the beauty of the city and the show.
With newly appointed creative director, Alan Lane at the helm, this year’s performance “The Heroes Who Made Us” features a storyteller to take the audience through history.
Royal Conservatoire of Scotland graduate, Terence Rae, in traditional Scottish attire, leads the 800 cast from all over the world as they tell the tale of history, heroism and heritage.
And a nice touch at the finale sees the volunteers who have helped shape their communities rewarded with huge applause from the packed audience in the castle esplanade, their smiling faces lit up on the castle walls for all to see.
But it’s the pipers, the drummers and the dancers which make up this very special event. Led this year by the British Army, the military is very much at the heart of the performance and it’s wonderful to watch the proud lads and lasses marching in with perfect timing.
The amount of rehearsing that must go into the shows is incredible and it’s first class all the way, with smart, colourful uniforms, polished instruments and best of all, a real pride as they perform.
Much is made of the 75th anniversary of the show which began in 1949, when “Something About a Soldier” was performed at the Ross Bandstand. But the ethos has stayed the same. The sky is lit up with many references to the important milestone, including 100 drones depicting military symbols, the Victoria Cross, musical representations and a striking thistle formation.
As well as the homegrown national massed pipes and drums and military bands, the show has guest appearances from the orchestra of naval and armed forces from Ukraine, Switzerland’s Top Secret Drum Corp, the Representative Band of the Polish Border Guard and the United States Air Force Honor Guard drill team and fife and drum corps, as well as a special modern mix of Now That’s What I call Tattoo 75.
The 90 minute show is fast paced with acts including “The Peace That Followed, the infamous Eagle’s Wing”, performed by traditional band, Skipinnish and evening hymn, “Travel These Ways”, with a young female piper brought into the military fold to mark the next 75 years.
With a flourish of fireworks, a lone piper tucked into the foundations of the ancient castle is the poignant symbol to mark the end of a very special night, which not only highlights the love of tradition but also raises millions of pounds for worthwhile causes ranging from Armed Services beneficiaries to youth and art organisations. This year, after a public vote, extra money is also heading to St Columba’s Hospice.
A truly magical night which one enthusiastic American visitor declared to the crowds as they spilled out onto the historic streets of Edinburgh: “Boy that was one mighty impressive night out!”
For show and ticket information, please visit: www.edintattoo.co.uk.
Author Bio:
Rebecca Hay is an experienced travel writer and member of The British Guild of Travel Writers. Follow her adventures with her family on Twitter and Instagram @emojiadventurer and on Facebook via EmojiAdventurers2.
Photographs courtesy of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo
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