Turn the pages of Stories and discover who you’ll be seeing this August

We are excited to bring together talented military acts from all over the world. With a wide range of acts from traditional pipes to flaming limbo and precision drill. You can find it all at a quick glance here, or read on for more act Stories.  

This year’s Tattoo will open with a timeless classic, The Massed Military Pipes and Drums,   made up of 240 pipers and drummers including home grown military bands, civilian groups and special guests from Australia.  

Following the roaring introduction, The United States Air Force Band will share stories from the Great American Song Book, including jazz and swing classics complimented by a mix of contemporary hits.  

The military is known for its exceptional precision drill, and the King’s Colour Squadron Royal Air Force will not disappoint. 48 performers, accompanied by a 35-piece band, will take inspiration from the gaming world. 

Turning the page again, we have our very own Tattoo Dancers, who have been inspired by the age-old tradition of telling stories around a fire. Be enchanted by graceful movements and vivid costumes sweeping across the Esplanade. 

Bursting with colour, Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force Steel Orchestra will splash onto the Esplanade as they tell the story of darkness into light featuring energetic steel drums, fire limbo and stilt walkers. 

Taking us back to legendary tale of William Tell, the Swiss Armed Forces Central Band will be next onto the Esplanade accompanied by 5 traditional Alphorns – a rare sight and sound for Edinburgh indeed 

The Tattoo Performers will once again take centre page and transport you to a serene Celtic dreamscape, as a solo fiddler and two dancers create a moment of reflection for audiences to be gently swept away in the simple beauty and mythology of Scotland. 

The soft sounds of fiddle gradually build, before roaring into The Massed Pipes and Drums as they make a swaggering return to the Esplanade. Joined by Tattoo Dancers they will play a love story to Caledonia. 

Almost all stories revolve around a friendship, His Majesty the King’s Guard Band and Drill Team of Norway will tell the tale of their longstanding friendship with the Tattoo and the historic story of King Olav in their enchanting musical performance of precision drill. 

We all love a good retelling, the old being brought into a modern light, and that is the Electro Pipes sets specialty. Brought to you by our Tattoo Performers, they will reshape the way you think of bagpipe music by taking traditional songs and blending them with modern electronic music.  

The pairing of The Royal Air Force Massed Military Bands and HM Royal Marines Band Scotland will astound audiences with complex formations and pay tribute to the RAF roundel. 

The Kings Colours Squadron returns to the Esplanade as the Guard of Honour. This military drill tradition is an honour to participate in for those involved, the first at the Tattoo under the leadership of His Majesty Charles the Third. Be sure to keep an eye on the castle during the National Anthem for a special tribute to our new King and late Queen. 

The final chapter of this story is our grand Finale, you’ll welcome back all the performers to the Esplanade and after a trip around the world, you will be called back to Edinburgh with contemporary Scottish music and a special feature from our trilogy of Drum Corps.  

We hope you’re as excited as we are to watch all our fantastic acts this August. If you would like to see our story unfold there is still tickets available here or you can call our Box Office on +44 (0) 131 225 1188. Our phone line opening hours are Monday – Friday 10:00am – 4:30pm.   

The full running order for the 2023 Tattoo, Stories is: 

The Massed Military Pipes and Drums 

The United States Air Force Band 

King’s Colour Squadron Royal Air Force  

Tattoo Dancers 

Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force Steel Orchestra 

Swiss Armed Forces Cental Band 

Tattoo Performers 

The Massed Pipes and Drums 

His Majesty the King’s Guard Band and Drill Team of Norway 

Electro Pipes 

The Royal Air Force Massed Military Bands 

Guard of Honour 

Finale 

Lone Piper 

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