Edinburgh Military Tattoo

In 2012 (3-25 August), Edinburgh once again hosts one of the World's most spectacular entertainment events as The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo draws together a host of creative talent from four continents to pay sparkling tribute to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth's Diamond Jubilee and the year of Creative Scotland.

This will be the 62nd extravaganza to be staged at the Scottish capital's ancient Castle - a spectacular and inspiring backcloth for this remarkable and internationally acclaimed event.  With innovative production, heart-stopping sound, imaginative graphics, state-of-the-art lighting and specially commissioned fireworks, the 90-minute show is set to captivate a large cosmopolitan audience.    The line-up of nearly 1000 performers includes hundreds of musicians, pipers, drummers, singers and dancers, as well as one of the World's most sensational percussion groups: Switzerland's Top Secret Drum Corps.

As ever, the emphasis is on sheer scale, colourful tradition, music, movement and spectacle with the show looking forward to delighting an international crowd with a rich story and setting.  

The world-renowned display unit from the Norwegian Armed Forces - His Majesty The King's Guard Band and Drill Team - will deliver an extraordinary display of discipline and precision, whilst dancers from home and abroad are set to provide exhilarating and inspired performances, drawn firmly from the Scottish tradition but with a contemporary edge.   

A strong Commonwealth contribution includes pipe bands and performers from Australia, Canada, South Africa and New Zealand, as well as elements from further afield.    

As always, the exciting programme will include the unforgettable music of the Massed Pipes and Drums and the Massed Military Bands.  Among the many bands taking part will be The Royal Regiment of Scotland and a stunning Combined Band drawn from The Royal Navy, Army and the Royal Air Force.   

The show will be brought to an emotional and poignant close each evening as the Lone Piper, high on the castle ramparts, plays a haunting lament.

Programme subject to alteration