We’re marking our 75th anniversary by celebrating The Heroes Who Made Us
We’ll use our 75th anniversary to tell our history to date and to celebrate special individuals who stitch communities together across the country with our 2025 Show, The Heroes Who Made Us.
Under the direction of new Creative Director Alan Lane, next summer’s spectacular will shine a light on the heroes across the Tattoo, military and wider society in Scotland who help better the lives of others through their efforts, to take audiences on a journey through our history.
The Show, which will run from 1-23 August 2025, will also see the introduction of a storyteller, who will not only guide audiences through the Show, but immerse themselves in the performance to provide an even deeper and enhanced emotional audience experience.
The Heroes Who Made Us will be the first Tattoo from new Creative Director Alan Lane, who places storytelling at the heart of his creative process. The performance will also nod to Scotland’s proud history in the arts and military connection with Skipinnish’s song ‘Eagle’s Wing’ being performed as part of the finale with the whole cast, supported by state-of-the-art projection and lighting.
I’m a theatre director so of course I come to the Tattoo as a show with storytelling at its heart. The introduction of a storyteller is how I make sense of this amazing, epic show and allows me to be really clear with the two themes at the heart of our 75th anniversary Show.
“Firstly, we’re celebrating the 75-year history of the global cultural phenomenon that is the Tattoo and all the talented and dedicated heroes who have made the Show what it is over the decades. And we’re also honouring the heroes who stitch together our communities into a nation with their efforts, their volunteering, the example they inspire with the way they lead their lives. The unsung local heroes who help others, lead community groups and give of their time for the benefit of others. That celebration will be at the heart of our Show this year.
"Respecting everything that has come before, and celebrating that past whilst making a new, contemporary iteration of this classic show has been our driving focus over the last few months. I really can’t wait for the audience to see what we have in store for them.
Creative Director of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo
The innovation and creativity flowing through the Show run right through our wider Tattoo brand with an exhibition being held in December at St Andrew Square in the heart of Edinburgh to chart our journey through performances over the years, while we also use our 75th anniversary to demonstrate our ongoing and unwavering commitment to the charity sector.
Following a successful 2024 Show, we will be donating to military and arts charities across the United Kingdom and for the 75th anniversary, an additional donation of 75p from every 2025 Show ticket sold will be made to a charity yet to be decided by a public vote. Find out more about our charity vote.
We’re excited to celebrate the 75th anniversary of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo and while naturally people think of the lights, sounds and skill featured on the Esplanade, we have so much more going on throughout the year to signify this celebration.”
“I’m a firm believer that if you’re standing still, you’re falling behind which is why we continue to evolve and innovate creatively throughout the entire company. From our plans to tour internationally, to enhancing our arena for a better experience, to upgrading our systems and processes throughout the business, we are committed to growing the brand and elevating the Tattoo at all levels.
“Our 75th allows us to look back proudly on the legacy and enthusiastically to the future. In this anniversary year, we recommit to giving more to our charitable partners and to honouring those who’ve made the Tattoo so successful.
Chief Executive Officer
Tickets for our 75th anniversary Show are now on sale and can be purchased online or by phoning 0131 225 1188.
03 December 2024