The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo – an annual highlight!

There can be nothing more soul-stirring than the sound of bagpipes slowly growing in volume until they are accompanied by drums to produce a sound that is so unique and powerful, that it is known the world over.

So, if you’re heading to Scotland and more particularly Edinburgh, you’ll want to make sure that you coincide your trip (if possible) with the well-known and much-loved Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo!

Since 1950 this tattoo has enthralled and entertained millions of locals and international visitors alike and takes place at Edinburgh Castle on Castle Hill in August every year (on occasion it can run into September as well).

The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo is a great way to get a better understanding of Scottish music, dance, instruments, tartans, and culture, and no holds are barred when it comes to the production and delivery of this event – so much so that they have been invited to perform overseas numerous times as well.

We share more about what you need to know before visiting this spine-tingling, goose bump-inducing event.

History

It all began in 1949 and was inspired by a small show called 'Something About a Soldier' which was performed at the Ross Bandstand, which you can still see in Princes Street Gardens, which lies just below the Castle. That same year, and after viewing a second show called ‘The King’s Men’ on the Edinburgh Castle Esplanade, which was performed for a standing audience of 2,500, the then Lord Provost of Edinburgh, Sir Andrew Murray approached the General Officer Commanding the Army in Scotland and asked him to put together a military entertainment ‘show’ called the Edinburgh Tattoo.

The tattoo launched officially in 1950 and has grown in size year on year. Besides 2020 and 2021 when the tattoo was cancelled due to the global COVID pandemic, this tattoo has been performed every single year for over 70 years.

The initial tattoo saw eight different acts performing to an audience of 100,000 people, with twenty performances in total, and has grown year on year as the organizing team continue to innovate and expand their offering. The tattoo is often visited by members of the Royal Family and international celebrities and to this day still stands as one of the biggest and best highlights of the Scottish entertainment circuit!

Venue

Considered Scotland’s biggest, bestselling outdoor spectacle, it makes absolute sense that the venue matches the pomp and ceremony. Edinburgh Castle is located right in the most popular part of the city and offers the most beautiful backdrop to accompany the music and dancing, but also boasts some spectacular views out over the city skyline.

The castle does all that it can to accommodate visitors, and they offer ramps and wheelchair-friendly access and facilities throughout the venue.

Getting to the castle is easy, you can either use the local bus, train or tram and walk the remaining distance to the venue. As there is no car parking at the castle, there are also several car parks available around the city that can be used.

What you’ll see

This is a global showcase of Scotland, so expect to be wowed. From state-of-the-art sound and lighting to lasers, fireworks and magical light shows to traditional highland dancing, music from various pipe and drum groups and Shetland fiddle music are all on the cards.

The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo often hosts international guests as well, and you can expect to see performers from all over the world bringing their powerful cultural traditions to supplement the Scottish ones. On occasion, there are aerial flyovers by the Royal Air Force (RAF) and many other fun and exciting spectaculars.

2023 dates and info

The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo is set to commence on 4th August 2023 with a 9.30 pm show Monday to Friday, and two performances at 6.15 pm and 9.30 pm on Saturdays.

It will run until 26th August and seating prices depend on which tier you select – from standard, premier, and all the way up to Royal Gallery and there are also hospitality packages available.

Find out more and book your tickets – HERE!

See you soon in Edinburgh! The Walkers Club Team