Edinburgh Tattoo 2026: Tickets, dates, prices and what to know about the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo

Featuring more than 800 performers from British Armed Forces as well as international military bands and regiments, this year’s event follows its 75th anniversary last year.

Taking place at the Edinburgh Castle esplanade, the annual spectacle promises to “push the boundaries of what the Tattoo can be” while ensuring that it still includes everything audiences enjoy.

Here is everything you need to know about the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo 2026 - including tickets, show times, prices and more.

When is the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo? 2026 dates and performance times

This year, the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo will run from Friday, August 7 to Saturday, August 29.

From Monday to Friday there are performances at 9.30pm each evening. On Saturdays, there is also a 6.15pm show as well as the 9.30pm event.

There will also be an earlier show on Friday, August 28, the penultimate day of the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo. On Sundays, there are no performances.

How long is the Edinburgh Tattoo?

From start to finish, each show will run for around 90 minutes.

How many shows are there?

There are a total of 26 shows in 2026.

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Will there be flyovers at the Edinburgh Military Tattoo 2026?

Yes, there will be flyovers during the following shows this year:

• Saturday, August 15 - 6.30pm
• Tuesday, August 18 - 9.30pm
• Friday, August 21 - 9.30pm
• Tuesday, August 25 - 9.30pm
• Friday, August 28 - 9.30pm

Where can I get Edinburgh Tattoo 2026 tickets?

Tickets can be purchased from the official Edinburgh Tattoo website.

You can also call the Box Office on 0131 225 1188 to book tickets. Phone lines will be open from 12pm until 6pm Monday to Saturday throughout the duration of the festival.

Edinburgh Tattoo 2026 ticket prices

The cheapest tickets for this year’s Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo will cost £42 with the most expensive going all the way up to £1,150 for ticket packages.

Prices will vary depending on date and show times, with an example of the cheapest standard tickets below:

• Band A: From £119
• Band A, end of row seats: From £130.90
• Band B: From £84
• Band B, end of row seats: From £92.40
• Band B+: From £110
• Band B+, end of row seats: From £121
• Band C: From £64
• Band C, end of row seats: From £70.40
• Band D: From £42
• Band D, end of row seats: From £46.20

Please note, the above prices have been provided as a guideline only with actual prices likely to increase based on date and time.

This excludes any ticket packages.

What is the theme of this year’s Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo?

Following its 75th anniversary last year, the theme of the 2026 Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo show is A Call To Gather.

More than 800 performers from countries including Germany, New Zealand, Qatar, the USA and the UK will take over the Edinburgh Castle Esplanade this August.

Rebus and Outlander actor Richard Rankin will also join in with the celebrations. As the Narrator, he will guide audiences through the A Call To Gather journey.

The pre-recorded role will see Rankin give new dimension to the story, which will celebrate connection, community and shared identity and bring together music, military tradition, dance and performance from across the world.

Who will perform?

Taking part in this year’s Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo are performers from around the world.

Some will be showcasing the best of local Scottish art forms, while others will help shape this year’s show with their unique cultural experiences.

Here is the full list of confirmed performers taking part in the 2026 Edinburgh Tattoo:

• The 10th Queen’s Own Gurkha Logistic Regiment Pipes and Drums — Massed Pipes and Drums, United Kingdom
• 154 (Scottish) Regiment Royal Logistic Corps — Massed Pipes and Drums, United Kingdom
• The Royal Air Force Pipes and Drums — Massed Pipes and Drums, United Kingdom
• The Bugles, Pipes and Drums of the Royal Irish Regiment — Massed Pipes and Drums, United Kingdom
• Vancouver Police Pipes and Drums — Massed Pipes and Drums, Canada
• Massed Military Bands, Royal Air Force — Military Band, United Kingdom
• German Army Band Koblenz — International Acts, Germany
• The United States Army Field Band — International Acts, United States
• Qatar Police Academy Band and Drill Team — International Acts, Qatar
• The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo Performers — Scottish Culture, United Kingdom
• New Zealand Army Band — International Acts, New Zealand