The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo is an experience like no other, a long-standing addition to the Edinburgh International Festival. The event brings in military performers from all around the world, performed by the British Armed Forces, Commonwealth and international military bands. This year, the Edinburgh Military Tattoo is taking place between August 4 and 26, attracting sell-out crowds every day.
The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo started in 1949 and was produced by Lieutenant Colonel George Malcolm and takes place at the Edinburgh Castle Esplanade. Ever since, the event has seen tremendous success, attracting attention from across the globe. Every year, the global showcase has a theme, with the 2023 theme being ‘Stories’.
2023 line-up
The ‘Stories’ show is welcoming a wholesome crowd of 800 performers from Norway, The United States, Australia, Trinidad and Tobago, and Switzerland, together with the UK and Ireland. The main Service this year is the Royal Air Force, while the United States Air Force Band is making its debut with a cheerful freestyle set. Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force Steel Orchestra is here with that Caribbean flare, and their performance includes stilt walkers, plenty of colours limbo and fire dance.
The audience can expect plenty of bagpipes as usual, with the Massed Pipes and Drums accompanied by the Tattoo Dancers and Fiddlers at the core of the show. Directed by Michael Braithwaite, the experience leaves one in awe of the mastery, hard work and precision it takes to pull off a perfectly choreographed event like this.
Michael Braithwaite, the Creative Director of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, said: “Stories is the next chapter in the modern era of the Tattoo, packed with the latest in cutting-edge technology, whilst combining the tradition and precision the Show is known for and loved. It will be a truly memorable event and we are thrilled to be returning to Edinburgh Castle once more.”
“At its heart, Stories celebrates the journey of individuals from many diverse backgrounds and unity through common experiences.”