Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo

What is the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo?

A tattoo, in the military sense, was once the drum signal that called soldiers back to their quarters at night. In Edinburgh it has become one of the great shows of the world. Every August since 1950, the Esplanade, the wide parade ground in front of Edinburgh Castle, is lined with grandstands, and for about three weeks the castle becomes the stage for an evening of pipes, drums, military bands and display teams.

The first Tattoo in 1950 had eight items on the programme and about 6,000 spectators. Today it seats around 8,800 people a night, and more than 220,000 attend each year, with millions more watching on television in Britain and around the world. Performers have come from some 48 countries, from Scottish regiments and Commonwealth bands to military bands from Europe, Asia and the Americas, along with dancers, drill teams and, on some nights, an air force fly-past.

Its heart is the Massed Pipes and Drums. Each show opens with a fanfare before hundreds of pipers and drummers in kilts and feather bonnets march out through the castle gatehouse and across the Esplanade, a sound that fills the Old Town. Between the massed bands, each visiting act has its moment, and the evening ends with all the performers on the Esplanade together and a lone piper on the castle ramparts.

The Tattoo runs at the same time as the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and the city's other August festivals, which makes it part of the busiest and liveliest month of the Scottish capital's year.

What to expect

The Tattoo runs every evening except Sundays for about three weeks in August, with an extra early show on Saturdays. Each performance lasts about 90 minutes.

Planning your trip

Getting there

Edinburgh's airport has flights from across Europe and beyond, with trams and buses into the city. Trains from London take about four and a half hours. The Esplanade is at the top of the Royal Mile, a steep walk from Waverley station; there is no parking, so walk or take a taxi to the bottom of the hill.

Where to stay

August is Edinburgh's busiest month, and rooms in the Old and New Towns are expensive and sell out early. Book as far ahead as you can, or stay in Leith, in suburbs on the tram and bus lines, or in Glasgow, under an hour away by train.

What it costs

Tickets range from moderate to expensive depending on the seat and the night. August is the most expensive time to visit Edinburgh, with high room prices across the city. Many festival events are free, though, which helps balance the budget.

Go like you know

• Arrive early to soak up the atmosphere on the Royal Mile and find your seat before the opening fanfare.
• Bring a cushion; the grandstand seats are hard and the show is long.
• Stay for the finale and the lone piper on the ramparts, the moment many visitors remember most.
• Edinburgh's Festival Fringe, the world's biggest arts festival, fills the city at the same time.
• For New Year in Scotland, see Hogmanay, with its torchlight procession through the Old Town.

Frequently asked questions

When is the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo?

For about three weeks in August, every evening except Sundays, with extra early shows on some Saturdays. In 2027 it runs from August 6 to 28. Tickets are already on sale for 2027, and the most popular nights and seats sell out well in advance.

Is the Tattoo ever cancelled for bad weather?

Very rarely. The show is designed to go ahead in rain and wind, and audiences are expected to come prepared. One performance was cancelled in August 2025 because of a storm, and the 2020 and 2021 seasons were cancelled during the pandemic.

Is it suitable for children?

Yes. The Tattoo is a family favourite, with music, colour and spectacle, and the earlier Saturday shows suit younger children. The late shows end after 11pm, and the grandstands can be cold, so bring blankets and warm clothes for children.