The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo

A royal Tattoo will mark the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee in August 2012

The programme includes music, Dennis the Menace, and Brave-inspired medley

Musicians from Switzerland, Norway and Australia, as well as some unexpected guests, will be among the sparkling line-up at this summer’s 62nd Tattoo, which will welcome a fusion of well-loved traditional elements and exciting new contributions. As…

Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo 2012

Edinburgh Tattoo showcases Highland dancing, drill teams and military bands

The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, it seems, often finds itself on the receiving end of a reputation that reels (Highland or otherwise) from one misguided opinion to the other. Contrary to stereotype, the massive spectacle is not just for clans of…

Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo 2011 - Fact file

The display of massed military viewed by 100 million people annually

1 The Edinburgh Tattoo first took place in 1950. It was first shown on colour television in 1968. 2The word 'tattoo' comes from the old Dutch phrase 'doe den tap toe', meaning 'turn off the taps', which was a call used at closing time in 17th century…

Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo 2011 - Highlights

Brass bands on bikes among highlights of music extravaganza

Have you ever wondered if you are a 'Bad Scot'? If soor plooms, Mel Gibson's take on William Wallace, dodgy recitals of Burns' poems and other things associated with stereotypical Jock culture make you recoil like a moggie from a festering puddle, you…

Why Edinburgh remains unrivalled as a festival city

A huge number and variety of festivals take place each year

In 1961, a theatre director made a proposal. It was his opinion that the Edinburgh Festival Fringe was getting too big. It would be much better, he said, ‘if only ten halls were licensed’. Nobody listened. Had the director been able to travel…

A show of force - Edinburgh Military Tattoo

A festival spectacle global in design is this year’s The Edinburgh Military Tattoo, which prepares once again to set its stall on the esplanade under the impressive backdrop of Edinburgh Castle, as it showcases the best military musicians from around…