From 2nd – 24th August 2024, the spectacular Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo returns to the Edinburgh Castle Esplanade. While it’s a long way from the Solent, this world-famous event is thoroughly worth the travel for many who wish to witness this definitive display of British Military culture.
This thoroughly unique, emotionally charged and rousing event showcases the best of the British Military, alongside riveting international performances. It’s an entertainment spectacle of military precision, history and tradition framed by cutting edge lighting, music and sound.
If you’re not one of those in attendance, check out Piping Up Podcast which takes you behind the scenes with fascinating stories and interviews. As the spectacular event makes for good TV and YouTube coverage, be sure to check out the schedules.
Why the Edinburgh Tattoo is important to UK Veterans
The Royal Edinburgh Tattoo is underpinned by creativity that drives its atmospheric events. It is also about creating connections and making contributions. Drawing and wowing international audiences with epic displays, it makes significant societal and financial contributions, raising awareness of the UK Military and performing arts communities.
With performances including military bands, drill teams and other military-related displays, it serves as a platform to honour and preserve the contributions and sacrifices of UK Armed Forces Veterans, fostering Military pride and appreciation. An inspiring space for Veterans to reconnect with the Military community, the Tattoo promotes a sense of belonging and mutual support, helping to maintain the Armed Forces’ historical continuity and identity.
The Tattoo is a charitable organisation, raising funds for various Military and Veterans’ charities including the Royal Navy & Royal Marines Charity, ABF – The Soldiers’ Charity and the RAF Benevolent Fund.
As such, it contributes to essential services like medical care, mental health support, housing, and employment assistance for Veterans and their families. By showcasing the Armed Forces, the Edinburgh Tattoo increases public awareness of the Military’s wider contributions and increases public awareness about the challenges Veterans face.
A historical Military showcase
The Edinburgh Tattoo story began over 70 years ago with the humble show ‘Something About a Soldier’, performed in 1949 at the Ross Bandstand. From there it has evolved in scale, ambition and stature – read through the Tattoo’s history in detail here.
Looking back over its long and storied history, we thought we’d look at 10 standout demonstrations and events that boldly showcased the UK Armed Forces.
1950: The inaugural Edinburgh Military Tattoo featured a small contingent of British Army units, setting the stage for future military displays and establishing the event’s close ties with the UK Armed Forces.
1966: The Royal Navy and Royal Marines Band Service took centre stage with a grand maritime theme that showcased naval traditions and music.
1995: Special performances by the British Army, Royal Navy, and Royal Air Force marked the 50th anniversary of the end of World War II, honouring Veterans and their service.
2000: An elaborate display involving all three branches of the UK Armed Forces ushered in the new millennium, featuring massed military bands and a stunning fireworks display.
2005: The event highlighted the 200th anniversary of the Battle of Trafalgar with performances by the Royal Navy and the Royal Marines, including a re-enactment of the famous naval battle.
2012: The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee was honoured with special performances by the Household Division and ceremonial pageantry by the British Army, including the iconic Trooping the Colour.
2014: Commemorating the centenary of the outbreak of World War I, poignant tributes and performances by the Royal Regiment of Scotland and other British military units were accentuated by a moving poppy display.
2016: Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s 90th birthday was celebrated with a grand performance involving the Massed Bands of the Household Division, showcasing the British Army’s musical and ceremonial skill.
2018: The RAF’s 100-year history was showcased with dizzying aerial displays and stirring performances by the RAF Massed Pipes and Drums.
2022: After a two-year hiatus due to covid, the “Voices” theme featured the British Army as the Lead Service. Over 900 performers, including the Top Secret Drum Corps and other international military bands, marked the Tattoo’s return. HRH The Princess Royal visited Redford Barracks during rehearsals, and the Tattoo donated £20,000 to the Disasters Emergency Appeal for Ukraine.
The Edinburgh Tattoo 2024 and beyond
Led by the RAF, last year’s Tattoo theme, “Stories,” took audiences on a century-spanning journey with performances by the Massed Pipes and Drums, Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force Steel Orchestra, King’s Colour Squadron, and others. The show also saw the debut of The United States Air Force Band.
2024’s theme, “Journeys”, will surely be nothing less than spectacular. The Royal Navy is this year’s feature, taking audiences on a nautical journey that melds the international voices and stories connecting the Tattoo’s cast, audience and cultures. HM Royal Marines Bands lead the charge, with feature performances from Switzerland, India, Australia, Canada and the USA.
The Edinburgh Tattoo is a vital event that’s not only entertaining, but also supports and honours UK Armed Forces Veterans through recognition, fundraising, community building, public awareness, and cultural preservation – so why not look out for TV coverage and enjoy this spectacle from the comfort of your favourite armchair!
As well as the official Edinburgh Tattoo website, you can find additional information helpfully collated here.
VOS is here to support veterans from the UK Armed Forces service, the Merchant Navy, and their partners. If you know a veteran (from any time of service) located in Portsmouth, the Isle of Wight, Gosport, Fareham or the Solent area, please pass our details along.
If you’re a veteran or partner and are thinking about getting in touch, we would love to hear from you. Call us on 02392 731 767, visit one of our drop-ins, or email admin@vosuk.org.
Please note that VOS is not a crisis service. If you need immediate support, please contact one of the following:
- Your GP or NHS 111
- Attend A&E or call 999 for medical emergencies
- The Samaritans on 116 123 (24 hours a day, 365 days a year)
- A trusted family member or friend
