Recently updated on July 3rd, 2025 at 05:06 pm
Every August, Edinburgh Castle comes alive with the sounds of bagpipes, military bands, and cheering crowds, as The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo comes to town. It’s an extraordinary display of tradition and musical prowess as military forces, bands and dancing groups from all over the world come together in this iconic celebration. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience and if you’ve ever thought about visiting Scotland, the Tattoo has got to be on your bucket list. Need more convincing? We look at the history of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo and share four reasons why you need to see it at least once.
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What is The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo?
The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo is a series of performances from the British Armed Forces and international military and cultural bands, live on the Edinburgh Castle Esplanade. It’s held almost every night throughout the month of August each year.
The Tattoo is a music and dance extravaganza that’s steeped in history and tradition. The first Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo was held in 1950 with a crowd of around 6,000 people. Since the 1970s, around 220,000 people witness the live event every year.
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Why do they call it the Tattoo?
The Tattoo has nothing to do with ink on the skin. The word ‘tattoo’ comes from the Dutch phrase ‘doe den tap toe’, meaning ‘turn off the taps’. Back in the 17th century, the ‘doe den tap toe’ call would be made to drummers or trumpeters, who would then signal to the innkeepers it was time to close. They would turn off the taps to the ale kegs and send the soldiers back to their barracks. The British Army adopted the practice and the regiment’s drummers would play it every night. Over time, the term began to refer to the last duty call of the day and now it’s associated with military ceremonies.
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When is the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo?
The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo runs in August each year – in 2025 the show will run from 1-23rd August for its 75th anniversary show, The Heroes Who Made Us. Monday to Friday the performance begins at 9:30pm and on Saturdays (and Friday 22 August) there is a show at 6:15pm and 9:30pm.
How long is the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo?
The show lasts for around 90 minutes, filled with a dazzling array of bagpipers, marching bands, military demonstrations, pyrotechnics and light performances.
How much are tickets for the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo?
Tickets start from £38.50 and can reach up to £450 or more (depending on the seats). However, it’s not something you need to worry about if you travel with us – Trafalgar tours that visit Edinburgh during the performance dates will include tickets to see The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo.
Do the royals attend the Edinburgh Military Tattoo?
The Royal Family has been known to attend the Edinburgh Tattoo! As Patron of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, The Princess Royal has shown her support of the Tattoo since 2006, attending rehearsals at Redford Barracks to meet cast members and people working behind the scenes. The Prince of Wales and the Prince William attended the Tattoo together for the first time in 2017.
Can I wear jeans to the Edinburgh Tattoo?
Apart from in the VIP areas, there’s no dress code to attend the Edinburgh Tattoo – jeans are in fact encouraged, because even though the event is in August it can still get very cold. Wear long trousers (like jeans), bring layers and definitely a jacket. The Tattoo takes place in the evening and giant stands are erected to accommodate the crowds, meaning you could be high up where it can get windy and chilly.
4 reasons why you need to witness The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo at least once
Now we know a bit more about the history behind The Edinburgh Military Tattoo, let’s dive into all the reasons why need to put this breathtaking event on your bucket list.
1. The rich Scottish traditions
One of the best things about visiting Scotland is experiencing the incredible traditions… And what better way to get up close to Scottish heritage than with an entire evening of remarkable Scottish traditions. From Highland dancing to bagpipes and drums, this is Scotland at its best.
You’ll get goosebumps when the Lone Piper stands on the castle battlements, cutting an iconic silhouette. The Lone Piper’s performance honours those who sacrificed and marks the spectacular close of the celebration. Top it all off with a wee dram of whisky, and you’ve got one bonnie Scottish experience!
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2. The awe-inspiring display of talent
The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo brings together the most elite military and civilian performers from all over the world, in a one-of-a-kind event. There are few other places where you can witness such an impressive spectacle with talented people and groups. The Tattoo welcomes performers from around 50 countries, and about one-third of the crowd are people who have travelled from across the world to be there. It’s more than a ceremony of Scottish and military tradition – it’s a global celebration of unique cultures.
The performers hit the stage almost every day for more than three weeks during The Edinburgh Military Tattoo, and they always perform with mind-boggling precision, power, and craftsmanship. Edinburgh has never cancelled the Tattoo due to weather – not even when it rains. So you know you’re going to witness a truly dedicated, world-class performance.
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3. The beautiful setting
While the performers are sure to keep you mesmerised, you’ll want to tear your eyes away at some point to admire your surroundings. The Tattoo takes place at the magnificent Edinburgh Castle. Dating back to the 11th century, it’s one of the oldest fortified castles in Europe. Perched atop the volcanic Castle Rock, the castle overlooks the city of Edinburgh. It’s served as a royal residence, fortress, prison and garrison over the centuries. It’s also the headquarters for the oldest surviving cavalry in the British Army, the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards.
With its fascinating history, Edinburgh Castle is the perfect location to host this magical celebration of history, music, dance and tradition. During the Tattoo, a stunning sound and light projection illuminate the castle walls. You’ll see Edinburgh Castle lit up in all its ancient glory, in a way that few others get to experience.
When you visit Edinburgh with Trafalgar, you’ll join a Local Specialist for a guided visit to Edinburgh Castle, getting a deeper insight into its regal history before witnessing the Tattoo. While in Edinburgh, you’ll also see the city icons like the Royal Mile, the Palace of Holyroodhouse, Arthur’s Seat, New Town and Princes Street.
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4. The fireworks
If you thought the Tattoo couldn’t get more extravagant, wait until you see the firework finale! The firework display lights up the sky at the end of every Tattoo performance. It’s the perfect way to conclude this remarkable experience.
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