Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo – Scotland 2025

Background & History

The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, established in 1950, is Scotland’s premier outdoor spectacle, held annually on the Edinburgh Castle Esplanade. Originating from a 1949 show, “Something About a Soldier,” it has grown into a global event, attracting 220,000 live attendees and 100 million TV viewers annually. Named after the 17th-century Dutch phrase “doe den tap toe” (turn off the taps), it celebrates military precision, Scottish heritage, and international performances.

The 2025 event, marking its 75th anniversary, is themed “The Heroes Who Made Us,” featuring over 900 performers from the UK, Switzerland, Canada, Germany, Poland, Ukraine, and the USA, with a new “storyteller” role led by Scottish actor Terence Rae. A charitable organization, it donated £750,000 to military and creative charities in 2024.

Event Highlights

• Main Performance: 1–23 August, 9:30 PM (Mon–Fri), 6:15 PM & 9:30 PM (Sat, plus Fri 22 Aug), Esplanade, $47–$1268.80 USD, with military bands, dancers, and pyrotechnics.
• Preview Night: 31 July, 9:30 PM, Esplanade, $36.60–$183 USD, discounted tickets.
• Hospitality Packages: 1–23 August, various times, Edinburgh Castle, $244–$610 USD, dining and premium seating.
• Flypasts: 1–23 August, select dates, Esplanade, free with ticket, by RAF and Army.
• Cosplay & Community Spotlight: 1–23 August, 9:30 PM, Esplanade, $47–$1268.80 USD, featuring local heroes.

City

• Edinburgh: Scotland’s capital, renowned for its historic castle, vibrant festivals, and UNESCO World Heritage Old Town.

Main Event Address

• Primary Venue:
  • Edinburgh Castle Esplanade: Castlehill, Edinburgh, EH1 2NG, Scotland (all performances).
• Administrative Contact: The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, 1-3 Cockburn Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1QB, Scotland.
• Box Office: The Hub, 348-350 Castlehill, Edinburgh, EH1 2NE (ticket purchases).
• Note: Hospitality in Edinburgh Castle; full details at www.edintattoo.co.uk.

Date & Duration

• Dates: 1–23 August 2025 (Monday–Saturday, plus Preview 31 July).
• Duration: 23 days.
• Opening Times (Confirmed):
  • Preview: 31 July, 9:30 PM (90 minutes).
  • Monday–Friday: 9:30 PM (90 minutes).
  • Saturday (2, 9, 16, 23 Aug): 6:15 PM & 9:30 PM (90 minutes).
  • Friday (22 Aug): 6:15 PM & 9:30 PM.
• Box Office Hours:
  • 16–30 July: Mon–Sat, 12:00 PM–5:00 PM.
  • 31 July–23 Aug: Mon–Sat, 12:00 PM–9:30 PM; Sun, 12:00 PM–5:00 PM.
• Note: Schedule confirmed; details at www.edintattoo.co.uk.

Venue / Location

• Edinburgh Castle Esplanade: Outdoor venue with 8,800-seat grandstand, steep 80m cobbled walk (Castlehill), and tiered seating. No parking; nearest bus stop at George IV Bridge (300m). Accessible toilets and modular Changing Places facility available.
• Additional Venues: Hospitality in Edinburgh Castle; speculative fan meetups in Old Town TBD July 2025.
• Note: Accessibility details at www.edintattoo.co.uk.

Contact Information

• Email: tickets@edintattoo.co.uk (ticketing); hospitality@edintattoo.co.uk (packages); administration@edintattoo.co.uk (general).
• Phone: +44 (0)131 225 1188 (Mon–Fri, 10:00 AM–4:30 PM; 31 Jul–23 Aug, Mon–Sat, 12:00 PM–6:00 PM).
• Website: www.edintattoo.co.uk (main); tickets.edintattoo.co.uk (ticketing).
• Social Media: Follow @edintattoo on X, Facebook; check www.edintattoo.co.uk for updates.
• Ticketing: Purchase via tickets.edintattoo.co.uk or call +44 (0)131 225 1188. Contact tickets@edintattoo.co.uk for accessibility or groups (10+).

Ticket Information

• How to Book: Purchase via tickets.edintattoo.co.uk, call +44 (0)131 225 1188, or visit The Hub Box Office (348-350 Castlehill). On-site tickets available if not sold out. Refunds for canceled performances (e.g., 4 Aug 2024) within 10 days (credit card) or longer (bank transfer). Priority access for 2026 tickets from 14 August 2025.
• 2025 Pricing (USD, 1 GBP ≈ 1.22 USD as of August 2025):
  • Standard Entry (Band D–B): £38.50–£80 ≈ $47–$97.60 USD.
  • Band B+: £90–£120 ≈ $109.80–$146.40 USD.
  • Band A: £130–£160 ≈ $158.60–$195.20 USD.
  • Premier Seats: £200–£300 ≈ $244–$366 USD (padded seats, fast-track, programme).
  • Royal Gallery (VIP): £400–£1040 ≈ $488–$1268.80 USD (gift included).
  • Preview Night (31 Jul): £30–£150 ≈ $36.60–$183 USD.
  • Hospitality Packages: £200–£500 ≈ $244–$610 USD (dining, premium seats).
  • Concession (Under 3): Free (on adult’s lap).
  • Booking Fees: ~$1–$3 USD per ticket (speculative).
• Additional Notes:
  • Children (3+) pay full price; loud noises may upset young children. Pricing based on provided data (£38.50) and web results (£38.50–£1040). Full pricing TBD July 2025 at tickets.edintattoo.co.uk.

Categories

• Cultural & Traditional: Showcases Scottish military heritage and global performances.
• Events & Festivals: 23-day spectacle with international acts.
• Education & Learning: Highlights historical and cultural narratives via storytelling.

Cultural Significance

The Tattoo, granted Royal status in 2010, is a cornerstone of Edinburgh’s festival season, blending Scottish bagpipes with global military and cultural acts. Its 75th anniversary in 2025 celebrates local heroes and seven decades of performances, with songs like the “74th Slow March” and a “Now That’s What I Call Tattoo75” segment. Donating £750,000 to charities in 2024, it supports military and creative causes, reinforcing its societal impact.

Food & Drinks

• Festival Venue: Hot/cold drinks at Esplanade ($5–$10 USD); pre-order via Innis & Gunn. No outside hot food, alcohol, or containers over 750ml permitted.
• Nearby Dining (Edinburgh):
  • The Witchery: Castlehill ($15–$40 USD, 2-minute walk).
  • The Grain Store: 30 Victoria Street ($10–$30 USD, 5-minute walk).
  • Ondine: 2 George IV Bridge ($20–$50 USD, 5-minute walk).
• Alcohol Policy: Available on-site (18+); no external alcohol allowed.

Family & Accessibility

• Family-Friendly:
  • Free for children under 3 (on lap); full price for 3+. Loud noises (pyrotechnics) may affect young children.
• Accessibility:
  • Wheelchair spaces (Sections 1–4, 12–17, Section 10 via elevator); accessible seating (front row, Sections 12–17, 5 steps). Modular Changing Places toilet and Personal PA System (hearing aids) available. Audio Description on 31 July, 5, 11, 20 August. Assistance dogs are in accessible seating only. Contact tickets@edintattoo.co.uk or +44 (0)131 225 1188.
  • Steep 80m walk; limited mobility patrons advised to call. Full details at www.edintattoo.co.uk.

Getting There

• By Air: Edinburgh Airport (EDI, 13 km, 25-minute drive).
• Public Transport:
  • Train: Edinburgh Waverley Station (10-minute walk to Esplanade).
  • Bus: Lothian Buses to George IV Bridge (300m, 5-minute walk).
• By Car: No parking at Esplanade; nearest at Q-Park OMNI (£3–£5 USD/hour, 10-minute walk).
• By Taxi: Central Taxis (+44 131 229 2468) from Waverley (£5–$10 USD).
• Rideshare: Uber from EDI (£15–$25 USD).

Program Details (Confirmed for 2025)

• Main Performance: 1–23 August, 9:30 PM (Mon–Fri), 6:15 PM & 9:30 PM (Sat, plus Fri 22 Aug), Esplanade, $47–$1268.80 USD, 90 minutes with bands, dancers, pyrotechnics, and storyteller Terence Rae.
• Preview Night: 31 July, 9:30 PM, Esplanade, $36.60–$183 USD, discounted show.
• Hospitality Packages: 1–23 August, Edinburgh Castle, $244–$610 USD, includes dining (e.g., Cannonball Restaurant, The Witchery).
• Flypasts: 1–23 August, select dates, Esplanade, free with ticket, RAF/Army displays.
• Hypothetical Events:
  • Cosplay & Community Spotlight: 1–23 August, 9:30 PM, Esplanade, $47–$1268.80 USD, local hero tributes (speculative).
  • Merchandise Stalls: 1–23 August, 6:00 PM–9:30 PM, Esplanade, $47–$1268.80 USD, Tattoo souvenirs (speculative).
• Note: Programme confirmed except speculative events; full details TBD July 2025 at www.edintattoo.co.uk.

Past Notable Performances

• 2024 Highlights: Performers from USA, Japan (Osaka Expo); “74th Slow March” for the 74th Highland Regiment.
• Past Achievements: First overseas performers (1952, Canada, France, Netherlands); Royal status (2010); 220,000 attendees annually.

Sustainability Initiatives

• Eco Practices: Digital tickets and programs; recycling bins at Esplanade.
• Note: 2025 details TBD at www.edintattoo.co.uk.

Educational Impact

• Storyteller Role: Terence Rae guides audiences through 75 years of Tattoo history ($47–$1268.80 USD).
• Cultural Performances: Educates on Scottish and global military traditions, free with ticket.

Cultural Activities

• Main Performance: 1–23 August, Esplanade, $47–$1268.80 USD.
• Flypasts: 1–23 August, select dates, free with ticket.
• Hospitality Dining: 1–23 August, Edinburgh Castle, $244–$610 USD.
• Cosplay & Community Spotlight: 1–23 August, Esplanade, $47–$1268.80 USD (speculative).
• Merchandise Stalls: 1–23 August, Esplanade, $47–$1268.80 USD (speculative).

Travel Tips

• Book Early: Tickets via tickets.edintattoo.co.uk; shows often sell out.
• Weather Prep: August (50–60°F, rainy); pack waterproofs, no umbrellas allowed.
• Explore Locally: Edinburgh Castle ($20 USD, 2-minute walk); Royal Mile (free, 5-minute walk).
• Public Transport: Lothian Buses Leap Card (£10 USD).
• Festival Info: Digital schedules at www.edintattoo.co.uk; Tattoo Tix app for mobile tickets.

Local Attractions

• Edinburgh:
  • Edinburgh Castle: Castlehill ($20 USD, 2-minute walk).
  • Royal Mile: High Street (free, 5-minute walk).
  • Palace of Holyroodhouse: Canongate ($15 USD, 15-minute walk).

Accommodation Options

• Edinburgh:
  • Hotels: The Balmoral ($150–$300 USD/night, 10-minute walk).
  • B&Bs: 23 Mayfield ($80–$150 USD/night, 15-minute drive).
  • Hostels: Castle Rock Hostel ($20–$50 USD/night, 5-minute walk).
  • Airbnb: Old Town apartments ($50–$200 USD/night).
• Booking Tip: Reserve 6–12 months in advance for the August peak.

Safety & Health Measures

• Medical Support: First aid at Esplanade; Edinburgh Royal Infirmary (10-minute drive).
• Security: Bag checks; no sharp objects, laser pens, or illegal substances.
• Health Protocols: Sanitizer stations; optional masks indoors.
• Weather Preparedness: Outdoor venue, rain or shine; waterproof clothing advised.