The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo has announced the launch of this year’s new show, Journeys, featuring more than 800 performers from around the world.
Performed on the castle esplanade from August 2-24, the show will celebrate “the journey of connection through music, dance, culture, and military traditions”.
Journeys, which follows the successes of Voices and Stories in the previous two years, promises to merge traditional military elements with “modern touches” through creative projection, technology, costume design and music inspirations.
Around 800 performers will travel from the USA, India, Switzerland, Australia, Canada, and elsewhere in the UK to take part in front of a live audience of 220,000 and global TV audience of over 100 million.
Michael Braithwaite, Creative Director, said: “Journeys seeks to revel in adventure, particularly the many paths that bring our performers to Edinburgh Castle from around the world.
“Journeys is an expression of travel and discovery, the curious nature of humans that have brought us all together and formed the connections that embody the heart and soul of the Tattoo.
“It is through journeys, from military to civilian, that countries and cultures can come together and share their voices and stories through individual traditions and ceremonies.”
The Tattoo was first performed in 1950. In its 74th anniversary year, the Royal Navy will be the lead service, as Journeys features a strong maritime theme, paying “homage to the seafarers that brave the ocean to travel across continents bringing people and cultures together”.
The military will play a prominent role, with a fanfare performance incorporating elements of the official march of the Royal Navy Heart of Oak and the rousing sounds of the Massed Pipes and Drums including Military Pipe Bands from 1st Battalion Scots Guards, 1st Battalion Irish Guards Drums and Pipes, Pipes and Drums of the Royal Gurkha Rifles, Combined Pipes and Drums of The Royal Tank Regiment and Scottish and North Irish Yeomanry.
One of the world’s leading military college bands, The Citadel Regimental Band and Pipes from the United States will transform the esplanade before the United States Navy Ceremonial Guard, from Washington DC, immerse the crowd with an authentic silent Naval drill and weapon handling performance, often performed for Presidential occasions.
Teamwork Arts India will showcase The Indian Rajasthani Bagpiper, The Bhangra Queens, and the Bollywood Ensemble.
Majesticks Drum Corps from Switzerland will “dazzle the crowd with a display of light, fire, and precision drill”.
The United States Sea Service Band – bringing together three US Marine bands – will celebrate US music and its influence with a combination of “smooth, enriching jazz and lively, energetic pop”.
Tattoo Performers will then return to the stage with an “electrifying performance” of Electro Pipes to pay tribute to the traditions of Scotland, whilst blasting into the 21st century with electrifying instruments, lighting, and projection.
Completing the Journey, the Royal Navy and Royal Marines will take centre stage as The Massed Bands of His Majesty’s Royal Marines perform the National anthem with a spectacular grand finale.
Jason Barrett, the Chief Executive of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, said: “The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo is a world-renowned spectacle and to have a chance to be in the heart of it is truly inspirational.
“The 2024 Show, Journeys, will transport guests on a cultural adventure, uniting our military heritage, Scottish tradition, and an international cast.
“With the Royal Navy as lead service, our show will have a strong maritime theme with performances by exceptionally talented performers representing countries with strong nautical connections.”
Tickets are on sale at edintattoo.co.uk/tickets or phone 0131 225 1188.
