Dancers performing at the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo
© VisitScotland / Kenny Lam
Why?
For starters, it takes place against the backdrop of the floodlit Edinburgh Castle - talk about dramatic! Almost 1,000 musicians, pipers, drummers, singers and dancers perform at the Edinburgh Tattoo on the Esplanade. Each year you can expect stirring performances of the Massed Pipes and Drums and the Massed Military Bands that emerge from the huge castle gates, playing the inspiring battle tunes of Scotland's famed regiments.
When?
1-23 August 2025
The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo
© VisitScotland / Kenny Lam
International flavour
Add to this the spectacular displays from the many overseas performers who bring music, action and colour to the event in Edinburgh and you have a winning blend that always keeps the Tattoo fresh, exciting and alive, even for the many faithful fans who return here every year.
An exciting finish
This unforgettable event is brought to an emotional and poignant close each evening as a lone piper, spotlit high on the castle ramparts, plays a haunting lament. Fireworks, a mass chorus of Auld Lang Syne from the audience and the roar of jets from a military flypast bring the curtain down on a truly memorable night's entertainment. There's nothing like actually being there to witness it live - make sure you're there!
Top tip
There are 217,000 Tattoo tickets each year for the three-week season, but they often get snapped up quickly.
