Dancers performing at the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo
© VisitScotland / Kenny Lam
Did you know?
The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo is enjoyed by a huge international TV audience in over 30 countries.
Why?
For starters, it takes place against the backdrop of the floodlit Edinburgh Castle - talk about dramatic! Almost 1,000 musicians, pipers, drummers, singers and dancers perform at the Edinburgh Tattoo on the Esplanade. Each year you can expect stirring performances of the Massed Pipes and Drums and the Massed Military Bands that emerge from the huge castle gates, playing the inspiring battle tunes of Scotland's famed regiments.
What is the story behind it?
It began in 1950, inspired by traditional army displays and named after the 17th-century Dutch phrase “doe den tap toe”, a signal for soldiers to return to barracks. From a modest start with a few performances, it’s grown into a world-famous spectacle, featuring international acts and watched by millions. In 2010, it was granted Royal status by the late Queen Elizabeth II, cementing its place as a proud symbol of Scottish pageantry and culture.
When does it take place?
1-23 August 2025