Posted by Maris on 17th Jun 2024
10 Facts About The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo
Ten things you might not be aware of regarding the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo:
1. In 1950, the first tattoo was applied. Save for the two years 2020 and 2021, when events were halted globally owing to the Covid epidemic, no performance has been postponed in this entire period of time.
2. For the most part of August, it occurs on weekday evenings, with the exception of Sundays. It has consistently sold out in advance for the past ten years and more. If you plan to go on your own when visiting Scotland, make sure you buy your tickets well in advance. If you are traveling on a scheduled tour, ensure the itinerary includes admission to this fantastic event.
3. Over 200,000 people attend the event each year, and 100 million people watch it on television.
4. The Tattoo is always held at Edinburgh Castle and features a massed military band marching down Edinburgh's famous Royal Mile, as well as a finale march by the performers, massed pipes, and drums to the thrilling song The Black Bear.
5. The performance has the ideal backdrop provided by Edinburgh Castle. Onto the walls of the castle is projected a light and sound extravaganza. Every Saturday's second evening concert has a fireworks display that illuminates the night sky, and it stands out starkly against it. And where better to hear a piper play the evening's last lament than from high atop the Half Moon Battery's walls?
6. The Royal Navy, Royal Marines, Royal Air Force, and British Army are the four service branches that are featured in the tattoo's rotating highlight performance.
7. Military bands and entertainers come from all over the world, and the Royal Netherlands Grenadiers are among the most well-known. Since its beginning, participants have come from about 50 countries.
8. The Tattoo donates a substantial percentage of its earnings to organizations that support individuals, such as the Soldiers Charity, the RAF Benevolent Fund, and many others, in an effort to lessen the burden of those suffering from illness, disability, or poverty.
9. It is only right that HRH Princess Anne, The Princess Royal, sponsors the tattoo.
10. And finally, some trivia. There are tattoos everywhere in Britain (and the rest of the world), so if you happen to stumble onto one while traveling, don't miss the incredible music and performances centered around the military. The facts? The term "tattoo" actually has nothing to do with this kind of performance; it originates from "doe den tap toe," which was the "last call" in Dutch bars in the 1600s.