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The Edinburgh Military TattooIt has been staged every year without fail since 1949, so it is fast approaching its sixtieth birthday. Staged on the esplanade of Edinburgh's spectacular castle, the castle incidentally is Britain's second most popular tourist attraction, it has hosted performers from over forty countries. Since 1949 it has been attended by over twelve million visitors, and the annual audience is around two hundred and seventeen thousand. Approximately 70 percent of each audience come from outwith Scotland, and half of these are from oversees. It has been sold out for the last nine successive years, and around one hundred million people watch on television around the world. So why is it so popular? Well in a word because it is spectacular! Have a look at the video below to see what I mean. This years Tattoo runs from 1-23 August and will feature amongst others,performers from Singapore, a detachment of Gurkha Pipes and Drums together with a fifty five strong Police Military Band, there is also to be an all women Police Pipe Band. An appearance by pupils from the Queen Victoria school in Dunblane, which is celebrating it's centenary this year, is expected to delight audiences with it's display of piping, drumming and Highland Dancing. Canada will be sending a 50 strong Highland Dance troupe to join forces with the Tattoo's own Highland Spring dancers. From Norway comes His Majesty The King's Guards Band, accompanied by its Drill Team. And The Massed Bands of Her Majesty's Royal Marines. The ninety minute extravaganza will also feature a return visit from Wellington New Zealand, of the all girl Lochiel Champion Drill Team. There will also be acts from Australia and the United States, not forgetting the haunting sound of the Lone Piper as he plays a lament from the castle's ramparts. The event is set up and run for charitable purposes, and over the years has donated some five million pounds to both service and civilian causes. It is an opportunity to see Scotland celebrating its strong culture, and at the same time extending its hand in friendship to many other cultures from across the world. And of course the massed Pipe Bands opening performance every evening will set your heart racing. I hope that this page has given you an insight into the Tattoo, and if you would like more information them please click here to find the official web site. And if you decide to join the audience I know you will have an experience you will never forget. Return from The Edinburgh Military Tattoo to Home page
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