All Seasons

Season 1968

Season 1994

  • S1994E01 1994

    • October 12, 1994
    • 3sat

Season 1998

  • S1998E01 1998 Edition

    • August 29, 1998
    • BBC One

    A wealth of talent from around the world joins forces on the Esplanade to stage the spectacular programme of music, song and dance which makes up The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo. The Tattoo was conceived in its present form and first performed in 1950. Today, with its unique blend of music, ceremony, entertainment and theatre, it is without question one of the world's greatest shows. It takes place during the Edinburgh Festival and is set against the unique and amazing backdrop of Edinburgh Castle. Participating Scottish Regiments The Royal Scots Dragoon Guards 1st Battalion The Royal Scots (The Royal Regiment) THE ROYAL HIGHLAND FUSILIERS (PRINCESS MARGARET'S OWN GLASGOW AND AYRSHIRE REGIMENT) 21st, 71st, 74th. 1st Battalion The King's Own Scottish Borderers 1st Battalion The Black Watch Other Participants 1st Battalion The Highlanders (Seaforth, Gordons and Camerons) Aberdeen Universities’ Officer’s Training Corp Tayforth Universities’ Officer’s Training Corps The City of Dunedin The City of Invercargill Caledonian Pipe Band The Imps Motor Cycle Display Team The Scottish Fiddle Orchestra The Lowland Band of the Scottish Division Emerald Isle Irish Dance Team Band of the Coldstream Guards Band of The Royal Irish Regiment The Tattoo Choir (Kevock Choir)

Season 1999

  • S1999E01 1999 Edition

    • August 28, 1999
    • BBC One

    A wealth of talent from around the world joins forces on the Esplanade to stage the spectacular programme of music, song and dance which makes up The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo. The Tattoo was conceived in its present form and first performed in 1950. Today, with its unique blend of music, ceremony, entertainment and theatre, it is without question one of the world's greatest shows. It takes place during the Edinburgh Festival and is set against the unique and amazing backdrop of Edinburgh Castle. Participating Scottish Regiments 1st Battalion the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders (Princess Louise's) Other Participants Queens' Royal Hussars 1st Battalion The Highlanders (Seaforth, Gordons and Camerons) The 1st Royal Tank Regiment 2nd Battalion The Royal Gurkha Rifles Scotland's Universities Officers' Training Corps Royal Air Force Leuchars Vancouver Police Pipe Band The 93rd Sutherland Highlanders The Highland Band of the Scottish Division The Band of the Dragoon Guards UK The Tattoo Choir (Kevock Choir) UK The Golden Eagles Marching Band USA Mounted Band of The Life Guards Hussars and Light Dragoons Royal Lancers The Highland Band

Season 2000

Season 2001

Season 2002

Season 2003

Season 2004

  • S2004E01 2004 Edition

    • August 28, 2004
    • BBC One

    The 2004 Edinburgh Military Tattoo, recorded live on Edinburgh Castle Esplanade and celebrating music and dance from around the world. Featuring the Massed Pipes and Drums, including the Bands of the Royal Air Force, the remarkable flawless display of the Queens Colour Squadron, The South African Navy Band, Military Band Of The Chinese Army, The Cheraw Indian Dance Group and 100 performers from Australia and Scotland joining together in dance. The varied and stunning international contribution comes from China, Estonia, India and South Africa, with a vivid and enchanting programme of music, dance and drama. Acclaimed by many as the greatest show on earth and one of the world's most breathtaking spectacles.

Season 2005

Season 2006

Season 2007

Season 2008

  • S2008E01 2008 Edition

    • August 25, 2008
    • BBC One

    Set against the unique backdrop of Edinburgh Castle, the 59th Edinburgh Military Tattoo features a wide range of talented performers from India, Singapore, Australia, New Zealand, Norway, the United States of America, and Canada, as well as a strong representation from the United Kingdom. The variety of high class acts and performances fills the castle esplanade with a truly memorable visual celebration of music and dance. This year's highlights include the unforgettable sight of the massed pipes and drums as they fill the castle esplanade; the exciting Golden Eagles Marching Band and Drill Team from South East Missouri State University with their well drilled display of music, percussion and marching; pulsating tunes and flawless performances from the Indian Army Chief's Military Band; the precision movements of the Locheil Marching Drill Team from New Zealand; a special display of piping, drumming and dancing from the Queen Victoria School in Dunblane, as they mark their centenary, and a colourful performance from the combined bands of the Singapore Police Force and Gurkha Pipes and Drums Platoon. Not to be missed is the flawless display of music and movement from The King's Guard and Drill Team of Norway on a return visit to Edinburgh and the Tattoo. No Edinburgh Tattoo would be complete without the memorable and moving sight and sound of the Lone Piper, and impeccable international dance from The Massed Highland Dancers, this year from Scotland and Canada. Completing the entertainment is the stirring music and meticulous marching of the incomparable Bands of Her Majesty's Royal Marines. With commentary from Tom Fleming.

Season 2009

  • S2009E01 2009 Edition

    • August 22, 2009
    • BBC One

    A wealth of talent from around the world joins forces on the Esplanade to stage the spectacular programme of music, song and dance which makes up The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo. The Tattoo was conceived in its present form and first performed in 1950. Today, with its unique blend of music, ceremony, entertainment and theatre, it is without question one of the world's greatest shows. It takes place during the Edinburgh Festival and is set against the unique and amazing backdrop of Edinburgh Castle.

Season 2010

  • S2010E01 2010 Edition

    • August 29, 2010
    • BBC One

    et against the unique backdrop of Edinburgh Castle, the diamond jubilee of the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo features talented performers from Jordan, Poland, Australia, South Africa, New Zealand, Switzerland and the USA, as well as a very strong representation from the UK. The programme promises a variety of high class acts, filling the castle esplanade with a truly memorable celebration of music and dance. One of this year's highlights is the unique Massed Pipes and Drums from home and from overseas. Also featured is a thrilling display of mini-motorcycle magic from the Imps; the Edinburgh Tattoo debut of the band of the Polish Border Guard, with their blend of traditional mountain music; the Citadel Regimental Band and Pipes from Charleston in South Carolina, who give a precise performance of music and marching; the Bands, Drill Team and Mounted Guard of Honour from the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, who perform a captivating Middle Eastern display of music and drill. Also featured is the Band of the Brigade of Ghurkhas with a high speed accelerando at 140 paces per minute. Another highlight is a fast-moving gymnastic display from the Army Physical Training Corps with thrills and, hopefully, no spills. This year the Army takes the lead, represented by the bands of the Coldstream and Grenadier Guards. No Edinburgh Military Tattoo would be complete without impeccable international dance from the Massed Highland Dancers, this year from Scotland and New Zealand. There is also a display from Army Dancers. Not to be missed is an entertaining display courtesy of the the New Zealand Army Band. The Tattoo ends with the sound of the Lone Piper as Major Gavin Stoddart reprises the role his father performed in the first Tattoo in 1950.

Season 2011

  • S2011E01 2011 Edition

    • August 28, 2011
    • BBC One

    A wealth of talent from around the world joins forces on the Esplanade to stage the spectacular programme of music, song and dance which makes up The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo. The Tattoo was conceived in its present form and first performed in 1950. Today, with its unique blend of music, ceremony, entertainment and theatre, it is without question one of the world's greatest shows. It takes place during the Edinburgh Festival and is set against the unique and amazing backdrop of Edinburgh Castle. Featuring a host of acts from around the world including: The Massed Pipes and Drums * The Band of the Royal Netherlands Army Mounted Regiments - The Music Corps of The Bicycle Regiment * The Brazilian Marine Corps Martial Band * The Germany Mountain Army Band * Massed Highland Dancers * The Band of the Royal Netherlands Army Mounted Regiments * The Massed Bands of Her Majesty's Royal Marines * The Massed Bands & Massed Pipes & Drums

Season 2012

  • S2012E01 2012 Edition

    • August 27, 2012
    • BBC One

    From the unique setting of the Esplanade of Edinburgh Castle, the 2012 Tattoo celebrates the Diamond Jubilee of Her Majesty The Queen. A host of acts from the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth are joined by a variety of top performers from Europe and the United States of America. Highlights include dynamic drill from HM The Kings' Guard from Norway, precision percussion from Basel's Top Secret Drum Corps and the unforgettable sight and sound of the Massed Pipes and Drums.

Season 2013

  • S2013E01 2013 Edition

    • August 26, 2013
    • BBC One

    Highlights of the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo which this year is marking Natural Scotland. Military bands from all corners of the globe descend on Edinburgh Castle esplanade, including traditional acts from Korea and Mongolia, while the vibrant music and dance of Mexico makes a first appearance at the event. The New Zealand Army Band returns along with home favourites the Massed Pipes and Drums, the Massed Military Bands, the Tattoo Highland Dancers and the Lone Piper.

Season 2014

Season 2015

  • S2015E01 2015 Edition

    • August 31, 2015
    • BBC One

    From the unique setting of the Esplanade of Edinburgh Castle, the 2015 Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo marks the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Britain, with the Massed Bands of the RAF and the Queen's Colour Squadron taking centre stage. East meets west at the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, with the east represented by a Bollywood dance extravaganza, the Military Band of the People's Liberation Army of China and the Changxing Lotus Dragon Dance Folklore Group. From the west, the UK home team are joined by the Citadel Regimental Band and Pipes from Charleston in South Carolina and the United States Air Force Honor Guard, based in Washington DC. Other highlights include a spectacular display from the Tattoo Highland dancers, precision percussion from Basel's Top Secret Drum Corps and the unforgettable sight and sound of the Massed Pipes and Drums. The programme is narrated by Bill Paterson.

Season 2016

  • S2016E01 2016 Edition

    • August 29, 2016
    • BBC One

    The 2016 Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo is a truly international event, featuring acts and performers from around the world, marking Her Majesty the Queen's 90th Birthday with a selection of Tunes of Glory, performed in front of the majestic Edinburgh Castle. The Nepal Army Band commemorate the conquest of Everest in the coronation year, the Band of Her Majesty's Royal Marines mark the centenary of the Battle of Jutland, and the Jordanian Royal Guard, Band and Drill Team mark 100 years since the Great Arab Revolt. New Zealand has a significant presence. The Lochiel Marching Drill Team fills the Castle Esplanade with a display of precision drill and dance, whilst The New Zealand Army Band gives another scintillating performance of music and movement with the emphasis on fun. The Band and Drill Team of the King of Norway's Guard deliver an immaculate display of music and drill maintaining their place as tattoo favourites. The home team are as strong as always. The Massed Pipes and Drums deliver a set of glorious tunes, the Tattoo Highland Dancers are precision personified, the Imps Motorcycle Display Team are their daredevil selves, and the Massed British Military Bands are joined by the Scottish State Coach in a majestic display. As usual, the lone piper rounds off a fine evening in the festival city. The programme is narrated by Bill Paterson.

Season 2017

  • S2017E01 2017 Edition

    • August 28, 2017
    • BBC One

    Bill Paterson narrates highlights from the 2017 Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, which features talent from around the world, all performing on the magnificent location of the esplanade of Edinburgh Castle, with the theme being a Splash of Tartan. Performers include the internationally acclaimed Massed Bands of Her Majesty's Royal Marines, the Queen's Colour Squadron and the Band of the Royal Air Force Regiment, which celebrates 75 years of the regiment and working with the Royal Navy. Reflecting the now international flavour of the show are military musical groups visiting from many countries. Tattoo first-timers the Japan Ground Self-Defence Force Band bring a spectacular display to Edinburgh. The Indian Naval Band bring bangra to the battlements, marking the seventieth anniversary of the independence of India, and the Fanfare Band of the 9th French Marine Infantry Brigade visit from Poitiers. The United States Naval Forces Europe Band, based in Naples, join the show, as do the Shetland Fiddlers, who this year celebrate their distinctive Viking heritage. The Tattoo Highland Dancers provide their usual high standard of massed dancing and also show their versatility by seamlessly changing from Highland to hornpipe and from ballet to Bollywood as they support the international contingents. As usual, the massed pipes and drums and lone piper on the battlements of Edinburgh Castle round off the event.

Season 2018

  • S2018E01 2018 Edition

    • August 27, 2018
    • BBC One

    The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo is celebrating 2018 with the theme The Sky's the Limit, embracing Scotland's Year of Young People with colourful performers from across the globe. With Switzerland's Top Secret Drum Corps, the Central Band of the Czech Armed Forces and the Royal Air Force marking their 100th Anniversary, the tattoo this year hits the heights with an array of music and performance. Recorded at the esplanade in the dramatic setting of Edinburgh Castle, the highlights encompass a packed hour of wonderful music and heritage, narrated by Bill Paterson.

Season 2019

Season 2020

  • S2020E01 Opening Night 2020

    • August 7, 2020
    • YouTube

    Today, on Friday 7th August 2020, we mark what would have been this year’s official opening night of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo. In April 2020 we took the sad decision to cancel this year’s Show. We did however want to mark what would have been opening night, with a special nod to those who make the Tattoo special. On a usual opening weekend, we’d begin a 25-night run of welcoming audience members from around the world to take their seats on the iconic Esplanade of Edinburgh Castle. Guests would have the chance to feast their eyes on the spectacular sight of the massed pipes and drums, traditional highland dance and fiddle, and the wonderful talents of cultural acts from all corners of the globe. In this, the year of our 70th anniversary, we are particularly sad not to celebrate with you in person. August really isn’t the same without our audiences, performers and staff coming together on the Edinburgh Castle Esplanade, each and every person makes the Show special. Buster Howes, CEO of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, said: “I’m immensely proud to have recently taken the reigns of this iconic Show. The audiences we welcome year on year are hugely important to us and we want to acknowledge the continued support on what should have been the opening night of our 70th anniversary Show. Despite the very difficult circumstances, we’re working hard to find imaginative and creative ways to bring you flavours of the Show that you know and love.” We can’t wait to welcome you all back in 2021. Keep an eye on our social channels and website for On Sale ticket updates.

  • S2020E02 2020 Tattoo Finale

    • August 29, 2020
    • YouTube

    As today (Saturday 29th August) would have marked the final weekend of our 2020 spectacular, we wanted to celebrate in the only way we know how. August really hasn’t been the same without our audiences, performers and staff flooding the esplanade with entertainment, enthusiasm and excitement. However, we have been overwhelmed by the support from around the globe that we’ve received since announcing the 2020 cancellation, due to Covid-19. So, to say a huge thank you to you all and look ahead to the future we’ve created this special socially distanced performance to celebrate our 2020 finale featuring Pipers Trail, Tattoo Dance Company and Hjaltibonhoga.

Season 2021

  • S2021E01 Celebrating 70 Years

    • August 30, 2021

    A celebration of 70 years of the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, revisiting many of its standout moments.

Season 2022

  • S2022E01 2022 Edition

    • August 29, 2022
    • BBC One

    JJ Chalmers and Jennifer Reoch celebrate the return of the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo for the first time since 2019. Joining the world-famous Massed Pipes and Drums in the theme of ‘voices’ is an array of performers from across the globe, including the Top Secret Drum Corps, Banda Monumental de Mexico, the New Zealand Army Band, plus the US Air Force Drill Team and for the first time, the Highland Divas and the US Army Field Band.

  • S2022E02 Celebrating 70 Years

    • August 30, 2022
    • BBC One

    Every August, thousands of visitors from all over the world come to marvel at the spectacular sights and sounds of the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo. In place of 2021's event, sadly cancelled due to Covid-19, this programme looks back at the Tattoo's rich 70-year history and revisits many of the standout moments.

Season 2023

  • S2023E01 2023 Edinburgh Tattoo

    • August 28, 2023

    JJ Chalmers and Jennifer Reoch celebrate the annual spectacular at Edinburgh Castle, featuring an array of global talent led by the famous Massed Pipes and Drums. Performers include the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force Steel Orchestra, the Swiss Armed Forces Central Band, His Majesty the King of Norway’s Guards and Drill Team, the US Air Force Band and the RAF King’s Colour Squadron.

Season 2024

  • S2024E01 2024 Edinburgh Tattoo

    • August 26, 2024
    • BBC One

    Tattoo performers including the Massed Pipes and Drums are joined by HM Royal Marines bands and an array of talent from the USA, Canada, Australia, Switzerland and India.