The Edinburgh Tattoo is a Spectacular Event at Edinburgh Castle:
Edinburgh Castle all fired up for the Edinburgh Military Tattoo
We arrive at Edinburgh Castle in good time and already the stands are filling up. Edinburgh Castle is the setting for the Edinburgh Military Tattoo and thousands of visitors from all over the world flock here to see this famous military tattoo each year.
The Edinburgh Tattoo takes place in August every year and is the prime event of the Edinburgh Arts Festival. Tonight, as with most nights, it is full house. If you’re planning on attending this event, it’s advisable to book your Tattoo tickets early.
It is quite a nippy evening in spite of it being August, but thankfully it is not raining. The spectator stands for the military tattoo are not covered and it would not be much fun watching the show in the cold and wet.
Like millions of people, we’ve seen the Edinburgh Tattoo on television as it is televised on New Year’s Day every year, but watching it live is quite an amazing experience, especially with the lit-up Edinburgh Castle as the backdrop.
Tattoo History
The Military Tattoo began in 1950 as the Army’s contribution to the Edinburgh International Festival. Today, it is a truly international event which attracts vast numbers of local and overseas visitors – approximately 217,000 visitors annually. It’s good to know that The Tattoo is run for charitable purposes and has gifted some £5 million over the years to service and civilian organizations. So, when you’re enjoying this great event, you are in fact making a little contribution to charity.
Korean cultural troop
Performers from over 40 countries have been represented at the Edinburgh Tattoo and the first overseas regiment to participate in 1952 was the Band of the Royal Netherlands Grenadier. The mass pipes and drums of the Scottish regiments, usually incorporating guests from as far afield as South Australia, are at the core of any Tattoo. There are marching bands, cultural dances and the motorbike dare devils are pretty impressive.
Normal performances of the Military Tattoo are timed to allow an appreciation of Edinburgh Castle silhouetted against the post-sunset light. And when it gets darker, the Castle is lit in different colours, creating quite a spectacle.
At the end of the evening, when the lone piper plays Amazing Grace from the top of the Castle, it’s guaranteed to make you break out in goosebumps. The Tattoo is very entertaining and well worth the experience.
Full-Day Edinburgh Military Tattoo & Scottish Highlands Tour >
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