Over 800 performers are taking part in this year’s Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo - the first time the annual spectacular has taken place since before the pandemic - and this year's show is bigger and better than ever!

2022 preview © The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo

Staged on the iconic Edinburgh Castle Esplanade each August, the Tattoo is a celebration of creative expression, giving a stage to performers and acts from around the globe.  The highly anticipated return of the annual spectacular sees a bigger and better show than ever, with a new creative director who is showcasing his vision with sensational design, lighting, audio and projection.

Cultural showcases and musical presentations by performers from Mexico, the United States, Switzerland, Germany, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand sit alongside homegrown talent from Scotland and the rest of the UK.

Massed Pipes and Drums © The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo

Military acts continue to play a central role in the performance, with the British Army as the lead service this year. Audiences will hear the legendary sound of the Massed Pipes and Drums that will echo around the Esplanade, supported by Tattoo Pipes and Drums, Tattoo Dancers, Tattoo Fiddlers, and musicians from UK Military Regiments.  

Joining Switzerland’s incredible Top Secret Drum Corps are over 100 performers from the Banda Monumental De Mexico, who return to the Esplanade this year with an energetic, colourful, carnival energy.  

Fanfare © The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo

The renowned and incredibly talented Highland Divas make their Tattoo debut, as the crowd are taken on an exhilarating musical journey showcasing the Divas’ eclectic repertoire including the Folk Music of Ireland, Scotland, and New Zealand. 

Fan favourites New Zealand Army Band are also part of the Tattoo’s triumphant return this summer. This marks their seventh appearance, having last appeared at the Castle Esplanade in 2019, and audiences are once again enjoying an energetic performance that dazzles and amazes.  

Highland Dancers © The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo

Celebrated as the musical ambassadors of the US Army, the United States Army Field Band make their Tattoo debut this year, exciting and entertaining the crowd with a marching, military mash up of traditional and contemporary music. While the United States Air Force Honor Guard Drill Team, the official ceremonial unit of the Air Force, return to the Tattoo this year with a dynamic display of precision drill.  

Michael Braithwaite, Creative Director of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, said: "This year, the Tattoo is inspired by people all over the world who have found a way to connect with each other through their creative voice and the show will celebrate this expression by bringing together over 800 performers on Edinburgh Castle’s iconic Esplanade.   

"For the very first time we will feature grand staging on the Esplanade, and we are taking a new approach to the pre-show segment with plans in place to enhance audience engagement and involvement further. For 2022, various voices within the show will carry the story and intricate soundscapes have been produced to tie each of the performances together in an immersive experience for audiences."

Finale © The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo

2022 marks the first show under the Tattoo’s bold new brand proposition, Performance in a New Light, which embraces military tradition and combines it with exciting new innovations and contemporary touches. This year has seen a warm welcome for the return of the Tattoo and it is, once again, a worthy celebration of the connections, cultures and languages that bring people together in the iconic Edinburgh Castle setting.

Janet Redler, Managing Director of Janet Redler Travel, said: “We’re delighted that the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo has returned and we’re looking forward to bringing a number of tour groups this year. As a world-famous event, the Tattoo is a highlight for many of our travellers to Scotland and the spectacular show in such an iconic setting is always unforgettable.”

If you or your group would like to enjoy a tailor-made tour of Scotland including the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, please do contact us. We’d urge people to plan in good time as the best seats get snapped up quickly!