Le 'Military Tattoo' D'Edimbourg (En Francais)
Das Edinburgher Military Tattoo (Im Deutsch)
The word Tattoo is derived from the Dutch word "Tap-toe" which means quite literally "turn off the taps". The signal which indicated that soldiers should return to their quarters and that the beer in the taverns should be turned off was transmitted by drum beat each evening. Eventually this developed into a ceremonial performance of military music by massed bands. Since 1950 the Edinburgh Military Tattoo has been an annual event held over the period of the International Festival on the Castle Esplanade. It is now attended by some 200,000 people each year from all parts of the world.
Every year the programme includes the music of the massed Pipes and Drums of the Scottish Regiments together with that of the Massed Military Bands. The participation of Foreign Units does much to contribute to its international flavour, and some 35% of all spectators come from overseas. Add to this the setting of the castle Esplanade, the ramparts, the delicate play of light, together with the excited murmur and applause of 9,000 spectators and you have the recipe for an event once seen never forgotten.
Tattoo Season: August each year.
Booking Procedure: Postal bookings are accepted from the 1st January each year and the Ticket Office opens on the first Monday of July for counter sales. Full details and Order Forms are available in December and can be obtained by writing to the Tattoo Office, 22 Market Street, Edinburgh EH1 1QB enclosing a self addressed envelope, suitably stamped or accompanied by an international reply coupon.
Tel: (++44 131) 225 1188 Fax: (++44 131) 225 8627
Le 'Military Tattoo' D'Edimbourg (En Francais)
Das Edinburgher Military Tattoo (Im Deutsch)