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It combines military spectacle, cultural performance, vibrant music and international colour - all in an historic Scottish setting - to deliver a unique event that has drawn millions of people from all over the world for over six decades.

 

This year’s 66th production (7 - 29 August) promises to be more breath-taking than ever. Already, ticket sales are expected to hit record heights as 220,000 people come to Edinburgh to stream up to the Esplanade of Edinburgh Castle during the 3-week pageant.

 

This summer’s ‘East Meets West’ themed event is set to be one of the most impressive ever staged: a celebration of the richness of international culture and the creative spirit of human endeavour.

 

Among an array of VIP salute takers across the 25 performances, and fresh from her trip to China, Scotland’s First Minister is set to attend during the August run.

 

Cabinet Secretary for Culture and External Affairs, Fiona Hyslop said: “Once again The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo will place Scotland on the world stage, showcasing our rich cultural heritage to thousands of people across the world.

 

“Through Edinburgh Festivals Expo Fund, we are pleased to support The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo’s collaboration with The Edinburgh Mela to bring Bollywood to the esplanade this August. These dancers will a great addition to the performers from Australia, United States, Canada and New Zealand that make The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo a global event. Scotland looks forward to welcoming people from across the world to celebrate the music and entertainment that’s on offer," said Hyslop.

 

Chief Executive & Producer, Brigadier David Allfrey said: “This year’s show is remarkable in so many ways. It is bringing together some traditional allies and some new friends. The performance is set to illustrate that the whole is greater than the sum of the parts. Some acts have taken a number of years to secure and we are delighted that a huge cast has come together from across the world, so elegantly, and with such a sense of common purpose.”

 

“The Tattoo is much more than a show. It delivers tangible benefits in Defence, Foreign Affairs, Trade and Investment, Tourism and Culture, Heritage and the Arts. The event also generates more than £100 million for the Scottish economy and supports, in large measure, Services and Arts charitable causes each year,” he continued.

 

With over 1,200 performers, 140 Chinese entertainers, 50 Bollywood dancers and one or two other surprises, the show is set to present a fertile fusion of military and cultural talent from around the globe.

 

One guaranteed crowd-pleaser will be the amazing Swiss Top Secret Drum Corps from Basel. They are bringing a newly developed act to Edinburgh with their own special brand of energetic percussion and pyrotechnics - showcasing the very best from the ‘City of Drummers’.

 

The Producer remarked: “Top Secret are already a firm favourite but they are set to perform faster than ever this year. I watched them in performance in Basel just two weeks ago and…they were phenomenal!”