Has anyone been to the Edinburgh Tattoo? I know that it is not what it sounds like (tattoos on your body) but a Military Tattoo. How is it? I may be in Edinburgh at that time (August 21st) and would like to know what to expect.

Saki

Hi Saki

Both my wife and I thoroughly enjoyed the Edinburgh Tattoo. We used to watch it on the TV each year and, while the area where the Tattoo is staged is actually smaller than it appears on TV, experiencing the Tattoo in person is far and away better than watching it on TV. It is quite a magic experience with the sun setting and the castle lights coming on, the swirl of the pipes and beat of the drums, the performances of the different guests from various countries, the roars of applause from the crowds and the very atmosphere of being there as part of it.

Would I go again? Absolutely.

If you do go though, take a jacket or something warm because it can get cool at night.

Saki,

I too was going to start a thread about this as we will also be in Scotland at the beginning of August and the Tattoo tickets are included.

I did see it when a slightly version from Edinburgh came to Wellington several years ago now performing at our westpac stadium. It was a fun evening out.

Can't wait to see it though in its own hometown or should I say home castle

This message has been edited. Last edited by: NZ Nurse,

quote:

Originally posted by Saki:
Has anyone been to the Edinburgh Tattoo? I know that it is not what it sounds like (tattoos on your body) but a Military Tattoo. How is it? I may be in Edinburgh at that time (August 21st) and would like to know what to expect.

Saki

If you are unsure what the Edinburgh Military Tattoo is then this may help:

Edinburgh Military Tattoo

Thanks Dimpz, for that film clip. Brought back memories.

Saki, as Americans we aren't familiar with the Tattoo and don't get to see it on TV. I was fortunate to have a Travel Agent who said that if we were taking a tour to Scotland we should go at a time when we could see the Tattoo. This is what we did and it was as Dragons described. The film clip shows you what it is, but can't begin to convey the wonderful experience of being there at Edinburgh Castle with the castle lit up in the background, it even had fireworks at the end. It is a memorable experience.

Also as pointed out, bring something warm and possibly a poncho or something for rain--not an umbrella of course. Our great TD, Ian Linn, provided each of us with a black trash bag, which fortunately we never needed.

quote:

Originally posted by luvtotravel:
Thanks Dimpz, for that film clip. Brought back memories.

LTT ~ I would love to see the Tattoo one day. I have so many happy memories of watching it on TV with my Dad. I would imagine the atmosphere would be amazing

Thank you all for the information. Sounds wonderful and exciting. Here in the USA we don't know about it (or at least I never heard of it before) and therefore was curious. As far as dressing warm, thanks for advising. I am sure that even in August it will be very cold in Ireland and Scotland. I am going to be prepared.

Saki

Hi Saki, Everyone is quite right, the Tattoo is pure magic - a truly unmissable event, and if you are travelling with a TT top tour, tickets will be included, otherwise, they are not easy to come by.
Please do not confuse the tattoo with the Edinburgh festival, which runs concurrently, this is a festival of performing arts over dozens of venues, throughout august - a major undertaking in itself.

Dimpz, thank you for the link, we don't see it here in the States, although it's often mentioned, I picked a tour after the tattoo, since I don't do very well on crowds, but if my tours is canceled I have something to look forward seeing. Like normally happens, I haven't gone yet but looking into going again, would love to do more of Scotland and include Ireland. (Of course the bucket list gets longer and longer... sight)

Saki: The Tattoo is not to be missed, and you will be surprised at how many American bands perform.
Coming from Calif. I would suggest VERY warm clothes, although we have been there when the weather was pretty mild.
Last time we went my Scottish BIL snuck in a wee drappy, and that helped a lot.
Take care;
Jo

quote:

Originally posted by Californian:
(Of course the bucket list gets longer and longer... sight)

LOL That is a good thing - because I am not 'going' until the list is completed!

quote:

Originally posted by Birdman:
Hi Saki, Everyone is quite right, the Tattoo is pure magic - a truly unmissable event, and if you are travelling with a TT top tour, tickets will be included, otherwise, they are not easy to come by.
Please do not confuse the tattoo with the Edinburgh festival, which runs concurrently, this is a festival of performing arts over dozens of venues, throughout august - a major undertaking in itself.

Thanks for all the input. According to Trafalgar's information, the tickets for the Tattoo are included so now I am looking forward to it and keeping warm the best I can.

Saki

You will love it Saki.

Besides taking something warm make sure you have something waterproof and not an umbrella as you aren't allowed to use an umbrella at the tattoo as it would interfere with the people behind you.

I loved the tattoo.

quote:

Originally posted by ChrisMorrow:
Besides taking something warm make sure you have something waterproof and not an umbrella as you aren't allowed to use an umbrella at the tattoo as it would interfere with the people behind you.

I loved the tattoo.

Thanks for sharing the fact that you can not take an umbrella. I just ordered on line a long rain coat with a hood and rain boots. I am expecting rainly days during the 16 days in Ireland and Scotland so I want to be prepared.

Saki