Edinburgh Tattoo
The Edinburgh Military Tattoo takes place annually on the castle esplanade. It is one of the most famous and most popular of the many festivals that take place in Edinburgh during the summer months.Some 200,000 people, mostly tourists, visit the Tattoo every year whilst another 100 million are estimated to see it on television in some 30 countries. There's even a Tattoo webcam. The event's popularity is such that tickets for most dates normally sell out many months in advance - book early.
The Tattoo begun back in 1950, with the first stand erected the following year. Since then not a single performance has been cancelled, even though it has sometimes been rained on.
In the last 50+ years the event has grown and evolved, however the foundations remain the same. Today shows take place Monday to Saturday during three weeks in August with firework displays to end the late Saturday performances.
The key word for the Tattoo is "spectacle" as bands, display teams and other performers put on their show to the backdrop of Edinburgh castle. As you'd expect from a Scottish military show, pipes and drums feature heavily: for 2006 the organisers hope to have the largest gathering yet of pipes and drums, with contributions from around the world.
The show traditionally ends with fireworks and the singing of Auld Lang Syne.
The official Tattoo tartan was created in 1983 based around the colours navy blue (Navy), red (Army) and sky blue (RAF) along with black & white for Edinburgh. In 1998 a new Tattoo Jubilee tartan was created to celebrate the event's forthcoming 50th anniversary.
The Tatoo is run for charitable purposes and to date has gifted some £5 million. It has also earned an estimated £88 million for the Scottish economy.
2010 is the Tattoo's Diamond Jubilee and the event runs from Friday 6th August to Saturday 28th. Traditional entertainment such as the pipe and drum bands will be complemented by high speed action from the London Imps Motorcycle Display Team. Other special guests planned for the 2010 Tattoo include Citadel Band from Charleston, South Carolina in the USA and a New Zealand army band.
This site is not associated with or endorsed by the Edinburgh Military Tattoo. Contact an authorised agent for details of seating availability and to book tickets.