Edinburgh Military Tattoo

Bill Paterson narrates highlights from the 2017 Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, which features talent from around the world, all performing on the magnificent location of the esplanade of Edinburgh Castle, with the theme being a Splash of Tartan. Performers include the internationally acclaimed Massed Bands of Her Majesty's Royal Marines, the Queen's Colour Squadron and the Band of the Royal Air Force Regiment, which celebrates 75 years of the regiment and working with the Royal Navy. Reflecting the now international flavour of the show are military musical groups visiting from many countries. Tattoo first-timers the Japan Ground Self-Defence Force Band bring a spectacular display to Edinburgh. The Indian Naval Band bring bangra to the battlements, marking the seventieth anniversary of the independence of India, and the Fanfare Band of the 9th French Marine Infantry Brigade visit from Poitiers. The United States Naval Forces Europe Band, based in Naples, join the show, as do the Shetland Fiddlers, who this year celebrate their distinctive Viking heritage. The Tattoo Highland Dancers provide their usual high standard of massed dancing and also show their versatility by seamlessly changing from Highland to hornpipe and from ballet to Bollywood as they support the international contingents. As usual, the massed pipes and drums and lone piper on the battlements of Edinburgh Castle round off the event.