Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo will ‘bring people together’, organisers say

An upcoming show performed by military officials from around the world will “bring people together”, bosses have said.

The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo’s (REMT) 2026 show, A Call To Gather, will take place from August 7-29, featuring acts from the UK and countries across the world, including Germany and Qatar.

On Tuesday, members of the media were invited to a special preview of what fans can expect at the show, which will be held at the Edinburgh Castle Esplanade.

More than 800 performers will participate, including Koblenz from Germany’s army, New Zealand’s official army band, the Qatar Police Academy band and the US army field band.

Musicians from the RAF will also perform a number of fan favourites, as will several other acts.

Chief executive Jason Barrett says he believes the public will enjoy what they have to offer.

He said: “I think they’re going to love it. The fact we’re coming off such a great year, with our 75th last year, from The Heroes Who Made Us to this year’s show, A Call To Gather, and the work that goes into this now is upwards of 18 to 20 months ahead of time.

“What the audiences will see is curated and performed at the highest level, so they will be absolutely dazzled by the show this year.”

Asked why people should come along to this year’s show, he added: “I think it’s distinct, I think it’s unique, and I think it’s something that brings people together, hence the show A Call To Gather.

“The fact that we have a cast of 800, all volunteers, that perform at this level, doing 26 shows in front of Edinburgh Castle.

“There’s nothing quite like it in the world. It is… You literally have to see it to believe it. So people have heard of the tattoo … or they’ve been there a long time ago.

“I highly encourage them to come and see it for yourself. (There’s) really nothing quite like it in the world.”

Alan Lane, creative director of the REMT, said: “The REMT has the extraordinary ability to bring audiences and performers from all around the world, to convene people into the Esplanade for a shared human moment.

“And when the world is tense as it undeniably is now, there’s never a more important time than to share our culture, get together, understand there’s more that unites us than divides us.”