Edinburgh Military Tattoo
The Edinburgh Military Tattoo was conceived
and first performed in 1950 as the Scottish Military’s contribution
to Edinburgh’s International Festivals.
Today it is without question one of the
world’s greatest shows. Its unique blend of music, ceremony,
entertainment and theatre set against the magnificent backdrop of
Edinburgh Castle draws visitors and performers from around the
world.
Each year, some 217,000 people see the Tattoo
(around 35 % of the audience is from overseas).
The word ‘tattoo’ derives from the closing
time cry of inn-keepers in the Low Countries in the 17th and 18th
centuries, signalling the soldiers march home from the taverns to
their barracks. It later became a ceremonial performance of
military music by massed bands.
At the heart of every Tattoo’s universal
appeal is the sight and sound of the massed pipes and drums from
the Scottish regiments. The Tattoo has also presented a whole host
of international performers from 40 countries. Bands of all shapes
and sizes have been joined by dancers, steel bands, flag-wavers,
drill teams, zulus, camels, elephants, cavalry, motorcyclists and
police dogs.
The result is an unforgettable annual
spectacle that is renowned worldwide.
Edinburgh Military Tattoo
5-27 August 2011
People who read this also read
