Edinburgh Tattoo
The Edinburgh Military Tattoo:
- The first Edinburgh Tattoo took place in 1950. There were eight items in the programme.
- More than 12 million people have attended the Tattoo. The annual audience is around 217,000.
- Around 100 million people see the Tattoo each year on international television.
- Approximately 70 per cent of each audience is from outwith Scotland. Half of these are from overseas.
- The average number of participants is 1000.
- The Tattoo is set up and run for charitable purposes. Over the years, it has gifted some £5 million to service and civilian organisations.
- Around 35 miles of cabling (the distance from Edinburgh to Glasgow) is required.
- The first overseas regiment to participate was the Band of the Royal Netherlands Grenadiers. The year was 1952, and there were also performers from Canada and France.
- Not a single performance of the Tattoo has ever been cancelled.
- Over 40 countries have been represented at the Tattoo.
- The word ‘tattoo’ comes from the closing-time cry in the inns in the Low Countries during the 17th and 18th centuries - ‘Doe den tap toe’ (‘Turn off the taps’).
Visiting The Edinburgh Military Tattoo:
The weather tends to be quite pleasant in August in Edinburgh with a gentle breeze blowing from the west. Having said that, Scottish weather is nothing if not unpredictable and so we suggest bringing something warm and something waterproof just in case (don’t bring umbrellas – there isn’t room). It’s also a good idea to check out the 5 day weather forecast (for example the BBC’s website). No Tattoo has ever been cancelled by the weather.
Getting to the castle is quite straightforward our hotels and B&B are central and so a taxi or on foot, if you’re feeling fit, are the best options. Although you are quite near, the city is extremely busy in August and so the roads tend to me more busy than usual and the streets crowded, especially at the top of the Royal Mile (the Castle entrance) so make sure you leave yourself plenty of time to get to there on time. The hotel reception will be able to advise you further.
Children aged 3 years and under can be admitted free of charge provided that they sit on an adult's lap. There is storage space available under the east stand for items such as buggys. Any items stored here are left at the owners risk.
Making more of your visit is easy, click here to see some of the other activities we offer in Edinburgh or, if you're visiting Scotland for a longer holiday, why not talk to us about organising your dream trip? Find out what we can offer by emailing us at info@casheltravel.com.