The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo

The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo image The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo image

Love a good marching band!?

Established in 1950, The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo features an array of performances on Edinburgh Castle’s esplanade. The military performance is a celebration of music and dance, with a 1,200 strong cast for 25 shows during August every year.

In addition of it being a spectacular show fondly associated with Edinburgh it also raises surplus funds for Armed Forces charities and the arts and has donated several million pounds to these causes over the years.

Each year, from June onwards, the 8,600 capacity arena which is built as a temporary structure is a familiar sight on the city’s skyline!

Picture: The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo

Accessibility

There might be a bit of a climb up to the castle but we feel it’s well worth it! After all, it is built on a 700 million year old extinct volcano and the Castle has been going strong since the 12th Century. The unique setting of the Tattoo may present access difficulties for some people, particularly older and disabled people, but friendly and trained staff are backed up with services and medical personnel.

Castlehill, the old-cobbled approach to the Esplanade, is a steep inclined 100 metre walk which, may prove difficult for some people. Also, there is on average a further 100 metres climb up the gentler slope of the Esplanade, followed by a dozen or so steps to be negotiated to reach the front rows of all the spectator stands in the arena. If you are purchasing stand tickets in the amphitheatre, is it accessed by more steps which are quite steeply tiered.

There are accessible tickets for wheelchair users at all performances and other spaces are also provided for disabled people whom require the space.

Assistance Dogs are not admitted to the grandstand seating areas; however, they can be accommodated in the disabled area at the front of Sections 1-5 and 12-17. Water bowls are available for the thirsty workers!

Accessible Performances

Audio Description

  • Thursday 3 August 2017, 9.30pm
  • Thursday 10 August 2017, 9.00pm

Audio description will be available for both of these shows and you must reserve the equipment required at the time of ticket purchase. Toilets The toilet facility on level one has level access and toilet on the Esplanade under the venue stands, are accessible by ramp access. On site ushers are available to assist on request.

Toilets 

In the venue there are two toilet facilities. The toilet facility on level one has level access and toilets on the Esplanade under the venue stands, are accessible by ramp access. On site ushers are available to assist on request.

Find out more

Find out more about the Tattoo’s accessibility and book your tickets now. Along with 217,000 other spectator's who enjoy the shows truly unique atmosphere every year.