TRAVEL: Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo

     We all want lovely memories. Typically, there is that one special experience during the summer that stands out to make its imprint. When you take moments to reminisce, that special memory becomes so clear it is like it happened only yesterday. For instance, “That is the summer when we went to France and went to the top of the Eiffel Tower or went camping in Maine and caught that large fish or had your first baby. This year my wonderful summer memory was attending the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo in the historic city of Edinburgh, Scotland. So memorable that I can still hear the music and feel the chill of the night air. It is a bucket list item.

     The city of Edinburgh with its cobble-stoned streets and towering spires is the perfect setting for the annual Military Tattoo held in August of each year. The name comes from the signal given by drummers and trumpeters alerting the pubs to “shut off the beer taps” and the soldiers to return to their barracks.

     This spectacle, drawing visitors from around the world, consists of music, culture, and ancient pageantry that is set against the backdrop of the dramatically lit Edinburgh Castle. It is meant to recall the history of battles won and lost. Most of all, to accentuate the pride of the Scotts and their heritage that is kept very much alive by the Military Tattoo.

     To get to the Castle’s 9,000-person stadium seating on the Esplanade, you must have a leisurely walk along the Castle called the Royal Mile. It is a mile, and it is all uphill. (The streets are closed off and your only way to the seating is to go up.) Once at the top, and seated, you immediately feel the anticipation in the air as all eyes are glued on the massive gates awaiting their opening. Finally, the moment arrives, and the crowd emits a deafening roar! The sounds of the bagpipes and drums fill the night. It is a haunting feeling. Coupled with the crisp air of the evening, and the dim lights surrounding the castle, the drone of the bagpipes sends a shiver or two down your legs.

     This spectacle is not all pipes and drums. It highlights world class military bands, and The Massed Pipes and Drums from various United Kingdom regiments, along with His Majesty’s Charles III Royal Marines and numerous international performers from around the world. This year our own the United States Navel Rock Band is center stage on the field and share their military pride. The crowd rewards them with cheers and chanting, U-S-A! U-S-A!

     The finale is the highlight of the evening as all the musicians, singers and other performers come together marching up and down the esplanade moving through their complicated drills for one last choreographed number. The fireworks display signals the end of the evening and again, the crowds reward the over eight hundred performers with a standing ovation. It is another flawless evening! One evening that now bookmarks my 2024 summer. 

  Are you looking for a memorable event? Consider joining us on the August 6, 2026, “Solar Eclipse” event at sea. Contact me for details. It is sure to sell out.