Bits and Pieces: Edinburgh Military Tattoo Festival

So if anyone is counting, I was headed to my seventh show of the day. Did I mention #heaven?

Contrary to popular belief (and mine when I first heard about it), the Military Tattoo Festival does not involve body art. Here's the educational part of the post...

The word "Tattoo," is derived from "Doe den tap toe", or just "tap toe" ("toe" is pronounced "too"), the Dutch for "last orders". Translated literally, it means: "close the (beer) tap". The term "Tap-toe" was first encountered by the British Army when stationed in Flanders during the War of the Austrian Succession.

The British adopted the practice and it became a signal, played by a regiment's Corps of Drums or Pipes and Drums each night to tavern owners to turn off the taps of their ale kegs so that the soldiers would retire to their billeted lodgings at a reasonable hour. With the establishment of modern barracks and full Military bands later in the 18th century, the term Tattoo was used to describe not only the last duty call of the day, but also a ceremonial form of evening entertainment performed by Military musicians.

Although the first Tattoo in Edinburgh, entitled "Something About a Soldier", took place at the Ross Bandstand at Princes Street Gardens in 1949, the first official Edinburgh Military Tattoo began in 1950 with just eight items in the programme. It drew some 6000 spectators seated in simple bench and scaffold structures around the north, south and east sides of the Edinburgh Castle esplanade. In 1952, the capacity of the stands was increased to accommodate a nightly audience of 7700, allowing 160,000 to watch live performances each year.

I booked these tickets way in advance and I sort of figured that since I didn't know what else was going on, I would book both nights whilst there. I'm really glad I did; such great entertainment against an amazing back drop. I can't believe I'd never heard of it before moving here. If you are in Scotland in August, it is a must see.

Anyways, this post will probably overwhelm you with pictures and video. I can't choose what to put up so I will just put it all up.

This is just as I arrived with the sun setting in the background - castle esplanade is slowly filling up. The gates open at 8:15 and you have to be seated by 8:45 as the majority of the entrances also serve as stage entrances for the bands.

The castle with the flag flying high before the show began

Sun is setting further before it began - it's also starting to get very cool. I don't think it ever gets hot in Edinburgh, even in August.

The guest of honor arriving, I think it was the deputy minister of defense for the UK that night. The person who greets him is the lone piper who ends the night later.

The pipers and trumpets start the show on the top of the castle

And then the fun really begins with full bands marching out of every direction from the castle and the esplanade:

All of the bands together on the esplanade, including the her royal majesty's band and bands from all over the world.

Ode to Scotland, the pipers get a solo performance with violinists.

Quick clip of the pipers:

Who were joined by Scottish dancers:

The theme of the show was Our Home, Friends and Family. Essentially, bands from around the world where the UK or Scotland had some influence were highlighted. The first band was from Malta, where the UK had significant military bases in WWII. Here they are carrying the Malta cross:

The sun is almost complete set at this point. The lights on the castle are just about to begin:

After that, it was a Zulu dance group, who really got into the performance

Zulu short video clip:

And then it was the Shetland Fiddlers with a melody of traditional Scottish songs:

Great clip of the fiddler group:

The next group was from North India. The lights on the castle are just starting:

Then it was the Tattoo Highland Dancers...lights on the castle were so cool:

Highland dancers:

Mid air dancers:

Next up was the Singapore Armed Forces band:

Followed by the Massed Pipes and Drums:

Scotland had a huge influence in New Zealand. The next group was a mixture of aboriginal culture in NZ and Scottish influence, including the New Zealand Highland Dancers:

New Zealand dancers:

New Zealand has something called the Haka dance, which you usually see in Rugby. I think it's the coolest sports tradition around:

They did something similar at the Tattoo (not exact), but definitely a highlight of the night:

Next up was Trinidad and Tobago, with the world's only marching steel drum band (defense forces). It felt like stepping onto the streets of Rio for Carnival (I know, different country, but seemed similar).

Steel drum band clip:

The next three pictures are from the Royal Marines bands as the colors on the castle changed.

Then there was a series honoring the royal navy, which included dancers and the castle decked out like a ship:

After that, it was the closing with the full cast, which included a melody of hits through the years (a litany of good music), patriotic songs and fireworks. The last bit was the lone piper.

Full cast:

Children's choir leading the melodies. Does that not look like Harry Potter?!?!

Close up of full cast:

Texas representing during the song mash up - I think when Rock Around the Clock was playing

Thriller in the mash up:

Thriller clip:

Next three shots are fireworks over castle with traditional Scottish music playing in background. Chills....

Then it was God Save the Queen time:

Then it was the tribute to the 100th anniversary of the Great War. I've talked about the poppies before when I attended Remembrance day events 2 years ago. Poppies give me chills still - such a poignant reminder.