Highlights of the Military Tattoo
The Military Tattoo is an international marching festival held every August in Edinburgh.international marching festivalIts official name is Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo.
The setting is the Esplanade of Edinburgh Castle. An esplanade can refer to a promenade, among other things, but at a fortress it is an open space designed to lure in the enemy and bombard them from all sides.
The architecture of Edinburgh Castle and the highlights within its grounds are introduced in the article below.
The Military Tattoo was first held in 1949, but since 2016, projections have been shown against the backdrop of Edinburgh Castle,creating a spectacular show in which images and music blend seamlessly.
Etymology
“Tattoo” is pronounced and spelled the same way as “tattoo” meaning a tattoo, but the meaning and origin are different. The “tattoo” in Military Tattoo comes from the Dutch expression "doe den tap toe", meaning “turn off the tap”. "tap toe" evolved into "tattoo".
In the 17th century, the Dutch army, unable to stand by as soldiers drank late into the night every evening, organized a simple military band. At a set time, it played drums, trumpets and other instruments, urging the soldiers to stop drinking (turn off the tap on the barrel) and return to their quarters. This eventually developed into the marching culture of military bands.
Military bands and marching bands from around the world are invited to perform. Audiences also come from all over the world.
The show begins with fireworks. First, local military bands from Scotland and the United Kingdom perform.
Next, military bands and marching bands from around the world take the stage. We are introducing the 2019 program here, but please note that the program varies from year to year.
This is the German Army band "Heeresmusikkorps Kassel". It is based in Kassel. The black eagle on a gold field is Germany’s coat of arms.
This is the Trinidad & Tobago Defence Steel Orchestra (TTDFSO). The dancers in their flamboyant costumes attract more attention than the music itself.
This is the French Army band "La Musique de l’Artillerie". It is based in Lyon.
It is inspired by the cancan from the historic Parisian cabaret Moulin Rouge. In Japan, it is known as the “French cancan.”
Discover Paris attractions and city walks in the article below.
This is a show by the "Tattoo Dance Company". The dancers are selected through auditions each year.
New Zealand’s marching team, "Lochiel Marching Drill Team". It is making artificial snow fall.
This is the New Zealand Army Band. The projection mapping is inspired by traditional Māori tattoo patterns.
The “tattoo” in Military Tattoo is unrelated to “tattoo” meaning a tattoo on the skin, but here the two meanings came together miraculously.
The finale is a lively show featuring all the musicians and dancers.
It begins and ends with fireworks. The show reaches its finale.
Although it is August, Edinburgh nights can be a little chilly. As the temperature continues to drop throughout the approximately 90-minute show, it is best to bring a jacket, lap blanket, or other warm clothing. Cushions to sit on can be rented at the venue.
Basic information about the Military Tattoo
The information below was checked against official sources on October 11, 2026. Please also check the latest information on the official website when planning your trip.
- 🔗 Official website
- You can check the programme, dates, seating, tickets and how to get to the venue.
The Royal Edinburgh Military TattooExperience The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo at Edinburgh Castle. A world-famous celebration of music, dance and ...www.edintattoo.co.uk
- 📍 Venue and address
- Edinburgh Castle Esplanade, Castlehill, Edinburgh EH1 2NG
- 💶 Admission
- The prices and booking conditions for the confirmed hospitality packages are introduced in the following section, “Military Tattoo Tickets”.
- ⏱️ Duration
- The 2027 performance The Same Heart Beat lasts approximately 90 minutes from start to finish.⚠️ As the venue is outdoors, allow plenty of time for admission queues and departure, and plan for cold weather and rain. Umbrellas cannot be used in the seating area.
Edinburgh Military Tattoo dates
The dates and start times for the 2027 performances can be found in the official visitor information.
- 📅 Event period
- In 2027,from Friday, August 6 to Saturday, August 28the event will be held on the Esplanade at Edinburgh Castle. The show is “The Same Heart Beat.”
- 🕒 Show start times
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- August 6, August 9–13, August 16–20, and August 23–26 21:30
- August 7, 14, 21, 27, and 28 at 18:15 and 21:30
⚠️ Select the show date and seat on the official booking page, and check the start time printed on your ticket.
- 🚪 Entry
- The entry queue begins on Johnston Terrace. Check your ticket and visitor information for the opening and arrival times.
Edinburgh Military Tattoo tickets
Tickets for “The Same Heart Beat,” taking place from August 6 to 28, 2027, are now on sale.
As a price example checked on October 11, 2026, The Drummer Experience starts at £225. This is the price of a hospitality package, not a standard seat.
- 💶 Admission
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- 3 and under Free without a ticket only when watching from an adult’s lap. All other children pay the regular price.
⚠️ Regular discounts are generally not offered.
- 🎫 Tickets
- Online reservations are limited to 20 tickets. Groups exceeding this number should contact the box office. Wheelchair and accessible seats must be reserved by phone through the box office.
Getting to the Military Tattoo
The Military Tattoo takes place at Edinburgh Castle. Edinburgh Castle is in the city center. From Edinburgh's main railway station,Edinburgh Waverley Stationit is about a 15-minute walk west toEdinburgh Castle.
According to the official information, the venue is about a 10-minute walk from Edinburgh Waverley station, and the arena is about 300 m from the bus stop on George IV Bridge (George 4 Bridge). There is no parking on the Esplanade, and the entry queue begins on Johnston Terrace.
For attractions, transport and suggested itineraries, see “Edinburgh: A Guide to Attractions, Food, Transport and Suggested Itineraries”.
