The Edinburgh Military Tattoo

It was the turn of the Royal Air Force to host The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo this year so we thought we'd go and show our support.  It's about 14 years since we were there last.

Our friend Mr L was very excited about being able to tick it off his bucket list.  A Scot by birth, he had to admit to never seeing the Tattoo before.

We got the tickets from our son for Christmas, and made a weekend of it with friends.  It was raining just as we got to the castle, but thankfully the rain held off for the entire performance.

360° view of the esplanade.  Hubby on the left,  Mr L and Mrs B on the right.

 

The castle esplanade is transformed into an arena for the three weeks that the Tattoo is held.  That in itself is a huge feat of engineering.  It is perfect though, as the castle is the star of the show.

The show started with the Central Band of the Royal Air Force and His Majesty's Royal Marine Band of Scotland.

Followed by The King's Colour Squardon.  It seemed odd to me to be calling them that, as throughout my lifetime they have always been the Queen's Colour Squadron.

There were the Tattoo dancers

and The Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force Steel Orchestra and their dancers.

The Swiss Armed Forces Central Band

His Majesty the King’s Guard Band and Drill Team of Norway (who were excellent, and dare I say it, could give the KCS a few tips on drill moves!!)

And of course, the Massed Pipes and Drums which included The Scots College Sydney Pipes and Drums, The Scots College Sydney Old Boys Pipes and Drums and The Scots School Albury Pipe Band all from Australia.

Also making up the Pipe and Drums were The Band of His Majesty’s Royal Marines Scotland, The Central Band of the Royal Air Force, The Band of the Royal Air Force Regiment, The Royal Air Force Salon Orchestra, Royal Air Force Bands, 1st Battalion The Irish Guards Drums and Pipes, The Pipes and Drums of The Royal Highland Fusiliers 2nd Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland, The Pipes and Drums of 4th Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland, Combined Scottish Universities Officers’ Training Corps Pipes and Drums, Royal Air Force Pipes and Drums and The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo Pipes and Drums.

The Royal salute was taken by the Royal Air Force and was the first time I've sung God Save the King in public.  It was quite a moving moment.

I loved the whole thing and didn't want it to end.  I'm such a sucker for the bagpipes!!

Same again next year?