Visiting Edinburgh For The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo
- Michelle's Monologues
- Aug 21
- 5 min read
This year is the 75th Anniversary of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo. Starting in 1950 inspired by a show in 1949 called "Something About a Soldier" and "The King's Men". The milestone show honors The Heroes Who Made Us. Celebrating British Military, Scottish heritage, and international culture with world-class lighting projections and cutting-edge sound technology set against the impressive backdrop of Edinburgh Castle.
Visiting Edinburgh For The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo
What is the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo
The early years of the Edinburgh Tattoo, now the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, were produced by Lieutenant Colonel George Malcolm and featured eight items. From humble beginning's it grew very quickly with international performers joining in the early 1950s from Canada, France, and the Netherlands. Gaining royal recognition in 2010, when Queen Elizabeth II granted the event the title "Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo". Today the Patron is HRH The Princess Royal, Princess Anne.
The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo has taken place annually each August with the exception of 2020 and 2021 due to the pandemic.
The world-renowned spectacle attracts over 200,000 spectators and 100 million television viewers annually. Did you know the word "tattoo" originates from a Dutch phrase meaning "turn off the taps," referring to a signal played by military drummers in the 17th century to recall soldiers to their barracks. Over time, the term "tattoo" evolved to describe military music performances and became the name of the annual event held on the Edinburgh Castle Esplanade. The modern Tattoo is a spectacular display of military music, marching bands, and cultural performances, drawing audiences from around the world.
The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo is a not-for-profit organisation, and every year are proud to donate substantial sums to a number of military charities including Royal Navy & Royal Marines Charity, ABF - The Soldiers' Charity (The Army's National Charity), and The Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund.
Who You Will See At The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo
Each year sees a number of both Scottish and international performances. This year making there tattoo debut, the Orchestra of Naval Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, also debuting are the United States Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps, with the United States Air Force Honor Guard Drill Team making a return to perform, the Representative Band of the Polish Border Guard gracing the esplande for the first time in 15 years!, and a firm favourite the incredible Top Secret Drum Corps from Switzerland, and various British military bands and pipes and drums. As well as a large combined choir of the Erskine Stewart's Melville Schools Choir, Sing in the City, and the Ukrainian Community Choirs will also perform. Enjoy the incredible performances with Pyrotechnic special effects, lasers, smoke/haze effects, strobe lighting, and 100 drones.
When Does The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo Take Place
The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo takes place annually each August. This year from 1st - 23rd August 2025. With a single performance most days (21:30 - 23:00) and at weekends a double performance (18:30 - 20:00 and 21:30 - 23:00). Usually the duration of the show is 90 minutes long but can vary with start time. The temporary seating stands are constructed in May and take around three months to complete. These are then dismantled, with Edinburgh Castle Esplanade usually empty by mid-October. 2026 dates are 7th - 29th August.
Where Does The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo Take Place
The Edinburgh Tattoo now The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo has always taken place at the Edinburgh Castle Esplanade on Castle Hill. Built in 1753, it has evolved from a rugged terrain and a notorious execution site for witches to a military parade ground, to hosting the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo and other major events and concerts. This open space in front of the castle contains several significant monuments, including the Witches' Well, commemorating historical executions, and various military memorials to regiments and soldiers, such as the grave of Ensign Charles Ewart. Did you know an esplanade is a long, open, level area, usually next to a river or large body of water, and the meaning of esplanade is a large, open, level area outside fortress or city walls to provide clear fields of view?
What To Wear To The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo
There is no dress code for the main outdoor area. It can get really chilly on the Edinburgh Castle Esplanade. I would highly recommend wearing warm layers, taking a rain jacket, and perhaps also a blanket (umbrellas are prohibited). Better to be overly warm and take off layers than to be cold and wet. I have saw some wearing hats, gloves, and scarves. However, if you are attending in the Royal Gallery (VIP area), a more formal dress code applies, including business attire or evening wear.
The Best Place To Sit At The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo
We've always sat somewhere on the side, and we've always chosen seats on the left side of the U-shape (usually sections 11-14) to get a slightly better view of the fireworks that go off at the end of each performance.
Food & Drink At The Edinburgh Military Tattoo
There is food available at the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, including both hot and cold drinks. In addition to the standard offerings, there are also hospitality packages that include dining experiences inside Edinburgh Castle before the show. Please note, no food & drink can be brought in before security checks. There is also a gift shop located after security and before the entrance to purchase bottles of soft juice/sodas/water, crisps, and sweets.
Where and When You Can Buy The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo Tickets
You can buy tickets via the official Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo website: https://www.edintattoo.co.uk/tickets
General sale tickets for The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo 2026 will be available from Monday 25th August 2025. With priority access to those who bought tickets in 2025 from Thursday 14th August 2025. Ticket prices start from £30 to £160 depending on show time, seat location, and hospitality package. There is also a £1.50 booking fee per ticket.
Why You Should Go To The Edinburgh Military Tattoo
The iconic event is spectacular! With military bands and cultural performers from around the world, set against the backdrop of Edinburgh Castle. The atmosphere is electric, and it's a unique and memorable experience. Each show finishes with a firework finale, and some dates have incredible flyovers from the Red Arrows and other military aircraft.
See you at The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo 2026!