The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo
The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo is performed by the British Armed Forces, International military bands and cultural groups from around the world, each and every August. The show takes place on weekdays and Saturdays on the Esplanade of Edinburgh Castle. Over 200,000 people will see this amazing spectacle over the course of a summer.
*All images provided by The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo
What is a Military Tattoo?
A tattoo is a military display or musical performance. The name has no connection with the ink tattoo you might get on your skin. It actually comes from “tap toe”, an old Dutch term meaning “tap off”, which was a sound signal that instructed innkeepers to switch off their beer taps when it was time for drinking soldiers to return to their barracks. The same signal would be used in a military display and eventually became the name for the whole thing.
The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo is held in front of Edinburgh Castle and it is one of the most famous military tattoos in the world. Featuring traditional Scottish performances such as Highland Dancers, Massed Pipes and Drums, Fiddle Players and the Lone Piper. Also with entertainment from military and cultural groups from all over the world.
*All images provided by The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo
Edinburgh Tattoo History
The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo started back in 1950, inspired by a small show called “Something About A Soldier” performed in Princes Street Gardens the previous year. The Tattoo aimed to include the military in Edinburgh’s annual summer celebrations, which began in 1947 with the Edinburgh International and Edinburgh Fringe festivals.
*All images provided by The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo
Supporting Charities
The Tattoo is a not-for-profit organisation. It supports a number of military and arts charities by giving donations every year. Such as national charities for the British Army, Royal Navy and Marines and the Royal Air Force.
*All images provided by The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo
‘If I could give it a 10 I would do so. The event was so far beyond any expectation we might have we could not believe it. The show is extraordinary. The marching, the bands from all over the world were literally breathtaking. The show lasted for several hours with a magnificent finale. Holding it in front of the gate to the castle added to the elegance and beauty.’
– Edinburgh Military Tattoo Tripadvisor Review
Shop for Souvenirs
You can buy a variety of gifts from the store to remember your Tattoo experience. Such as T-shirts, DVDs and badges.
Edinburgh Tattoo Tickets and Accommodation
You can order your tickets by phone, box office or online booking. Remember, they sell out quickly.
If you’re looking for accommodation, our central hotel is a 15-minute walk from the venue at Edinburgh Castle. Located at the foot of Calton Hill, just off Waterloo Place, you’ll be close to all the summer festival action during your stay with us. But hurry! Just like the Tattoo tickets, our festival accommodation books up fast!
*All images provided by The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo
