Tuesday April 28th 2026
The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo showcase
Written by Midlothian View Reporter, Liam Eunson
The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo unveils a first look at the 2026 show, A Call To Gather, drawing performers from near and far to be part of this summer’s spectacular production.
With 100 days to go, the Tattoo reveals this year’s line-up, and a peek behind the curtain of what audiences can expect from the new Show, A Call To Gather arriving in Edinburgh from 7-29 August.
Bringing together the traditional, the new and the spectacular, audiences can expect a brand-new Show featuring acts from around the world – from Germany, New Zealand, Qatar, USA, and the UK – unmissable special effects and a toe-tapping, hand-clapping and heart-warming setlist of music with something for everyone.
More than 800 performers will take part, including returning Tattoo performers and international guest acts. Confirmed participants include the German Army Band Koblenz, New Zealand Army Band, the Qatar Police Academy Band and Drill Team and the United States Army Field Band. They will be joined by bands from all three Services, with Royal Air Force Musicians taking centre stage as part of this year’s Lead Service, performing alongside fan favourites such as the Massed Pipes and Drums, Lone Piper and the Tattoo Performers showcasing the best of Scottish Traditional Arts.
Music remains central to the Tattoo experience, with a programme spanning massed musical performances, ceremonial elements and contemporary moments. Each group brings its own heritage and identity, reflecting the shared traditions and international connections at the heart of the event.
Alan Lane, Creative Director of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, said: “Performers and audience will come from across the globe, answering the call to join us in Edinburgh, in a celebration of the music, dance and performance. The collaboration of cultures from the diverse cast will combine in a show that promises something new for all our audiences.
“The Tattoo is unlike any other show in the world. And after the incredible response to last year’s The Heroes Who Made Us, the team have worked hard to imagine a show to match it. It’s always been the case that the scale, the setting, and the sense of occasion of the Tattoo are extraordinary, and A Call To Gather builds on that with a renewed sense of global connection. There’s never been a more important time to connect with each other through culture.”
Jason Barrett, Chief Executive at The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, said: “As we mark 100 days togo until the 2026 show, A Call To Gather, today’s announcement highlights the scale, ambition and convening power that define the Tattoo. We continue to bring together world-class performers, while celebrating the very best of the UK’s Armed Forces. With the RAF leading A Call To Gather, we look forward to delivering another unforgettable experience for local, UK and international audiences alike.”
Staged on the Edinburgh Castle Esplanade, the Tattoo is one of the world’s leading live events, bringing together military and cultural performers from across the globe. The 2026 Show will run from 7–29 August 2026 under the theme A Call To Gather. Tickets are now on sale and can be purchased at edintattoo.co.uk/tickets or on the phone, 0131 225 1188.
The full list of confirmed acts is: German Army Band (Heeresmusikkorps) Koblenz, New Zealand Army Band, Qatar Police Academy Band and Drill Team, United States Army Field Band, The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo Performers, Royal Air Force Massed Military Bands, The 10th Queen’s Own Gurkha Logistic Regiment Pipes And Drums, 154 (Scottish) Regiment Royal Logistic Corps, The Combined Universities Officer Training Corps Pipes And Drums, Vancouver Police Pipes And Drums, The Pipes And Drums Of The Queen’s Royal Hussars, The Royal Dragoon Guards and 1st Battalion The Royal Irish Regiment.
The list of confirmed songs includes: The Call by Regina Spektor, Ain’t No Mountain High Enough by Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell, Over There by George Cohan and Heroes by Tide Lines, with pipe tunes including Dancing Feet, Lochanside and Rhenigidale Reel.
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