Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo
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Start date
August 7, 2026 9:30 pm
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End date
August 29, 2026
- Dates: 7 – 29 August 2026 (expected pattern: first three full weeks of August, confirmed by Tattoo announcements for the 2026 run)
- Times: 9:30pm nightly, with additional earlier shows on Saturdays
- Location: Edinburgh Castle Esplanade
- Website: https://www.edintattoo.co.uk
- Email: info@edintattoo.co.uk
- Phone (Box Office): 0131 225 1188
- X (Twitter): https://x.com/EdinburghTattoo
A staple of Edinburgh’s August festivals, The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo is one of Scotland’s most recognisable cultural events. This large-scale outdoor performance includes pipes, drums, military bands and cultural displays.
Every summer, the Castle Esplanade transforms into an open-air stage for a spectacular mix of military music, ceremonial display, dance, theatre, and cutting-edge light and projection work.
Each year’s show is themed, with performers drawn from the UK Armed Forces and visiting military and cultural groups from across the world.
Expect massed pipes and drums, Highland dancers, international display teams, precision drill performances, and dramatic live music backed by large-scale projections on the castle walls.
The finale brings everything together with the Lone Piper playing high above the battlements, followed by the nightly fireworks that light up the city skyline.
- Audience: Suitable for all ages; extremely popular with visitors
Box office & tickets:
- Tickets sold directly via the Tattoo website
- Book online at edintattoo.co.uk or via box office 0131 225 1188
- Premium seating, hospitality packages, and accessible options are available
- Shows regularly sell out weeks or months in advance