











One of the world’s most spectacular events returns for its 69th year.
From its iconic home on the Esplanade of Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo celebrates the kaleidoscope – the wondrous optical invention by Scottish physicist
Sir David Brewster in 1816. While looking at objects through mirrors, Brewster noticed how colours appeared in beautiful patterns. This was the inspiration for his kaleidoscope, a device that delivered symmetrical yet ever-changing images.
In turn, this show celebrates the geometry, colour and movement of the Tattoo’s military and folkloric performers in their constantly changing patterns; all accentuated by world-class lighting, projections, sound and special effects.
With the British Army at the fore, prepare to be delighted by precision-led displays of glorious symmetries, in a kaleidoscopic performance. Famously, they will be complemented by the Massed Pipes and Drums, Pipers Trail, Tattoo Dance Company and Hjaltibonhoga – the Shetland Fiddlers.
Joined by acts from across the globe – Australia, Canada, China, France, Germany, New Zealand, Trinidad and Tobago and, for the first time, Nigeria, the Tattoo prides itself on bringing people together.
Kaleidoscope follows the success of the Tattoo in Australia in October 2019, with four performances at Sydney’s ANZ Stadium. That show, entitled At All Points of the Compass, was recently released on DVD and CD to great acclaim, going straight to #1 on the DVD charts, with the CD reaching #2 on the Classical/Crossover chart.
TRACKLISTING
Opening Fanfare:
1. Prism
2. Pure Light
3. The Massed Pipes and Drums
4. The Guards Brigade Band, Silent Drill Platoon & Cultural Ensemble of Nigeria*
5. Heeresmusikkorps Kassel (German Army Band Kassel)
6. Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force Steel Orchestra
7. Musique de l’Artillerie (The French Artillery Band, Lyon)
8. The Massed Pipes and Tattoo Dance Company
9. Lochiel Marching Drill Team: The Ice
10. Beijing Marching Wind Band and Cultural Display
11. Hjaltibonhoga – The Shetland Fiddlers: Sea Sway
12. Tattoo Dance Company
13. New Zealand Army Band
14. The Massed UK Military Bands
15. Kaleidoscope
16. Fireworks: The Show Must Go On
Finale:
17. The Greatest Show
18. Reform Squares
19. The Guard of Honour
20. God Save the Queen
21. Auld Lang Syne
22. The Evening Hymn and Sunset: Finlandia
23. The Lone Piper: Soldier Lie Down on a Wee Pickle Straw
24. March Off
*DVD only