The Edinburgh Military Tattoo Rewrites the Definition of 'Show'...

What exactly is the Edinburgh Military Tattoo? In fact, what is a 'tattoo' for Pete's sake?! Well...originally it was a straight-forward drum roll to tell the publicans to stop serving the British soldiers beer when they were stationed in Flanders. From the Flemish, 'tap toe!', for 'tap closed!' came the term 'tattoo'...slightly contrived, I know...

This practice was then developed into a more elaborate display of drumming and piping in the following years as official military bands became the norm.

The first official Edinburgh Military Tattoo took place in 1950 on the Esplanade (large open area in front of the Castle gates) at Edinburgh Castle. Back in those days it was a fairly simple affair. The audience was seated on wooden benches on three sides of the Esplanade and enjoyed performances by eight different acts.

Such was the popularity of this new display of musical expertise, the stands were increased in size in 1952 so that 7,700 people could attend the nightly performances.

The Edinburgh Military Tattoo lasts 3 weeks, usually starting in the second week of August and finishing up at the very end of the month. Tickets for the Tattoo are sold out in advance every year meaning it is safe to say that around 217,000 people attend the Tattoo every year.

Not only are the numbers in attendance hugely impressive, the Tattoo is televised in 30 countries bringing the viewing numbers up to over 100 million - a quite incredible feat.

So what can you expect to see at the Edinburgh Military Tattoo, should you be so lucky to get a ticket?! Well...you will see the pipe and drum regiments of the British Army in full regalia and floppy beaver-like hats performing alongside international regiments mainly from Commonwealth countries.

In the 60 years of the Tattoo, over 30 countries have been represented with African tribal bands even making appearances. As well as pipe and drum music, traditional highland dancers perform for the crowds.

If you prefer the sound of a lone piper to the bands, you will not be disappointed. The evening is rounded off with a rendition of the world-famous ballad Auld Lang Syne, written by Scottish writer Robert Burns and the National Anthem.

While the show itself is spectacular, the ingredient which really transforms the evening into a moving experience is the illuminated backdrop of Edinburgh Castle. A stunning sight on any average day, Edinburgh Castle is simply awe-inspiring as it appears to hover quietly in the background at the end of the Esplanade.

If you're quick with your arithmetic, you will have noticed that this year marked the 60th anniversary of the first official Edinburgh Military Tattoo at Edinburgh Castle. As the official website states, audiences were treated to, "awe-inspiring colour and variety from the four corners of the globe" to celebrate the diamond jubilee of the Tattoo.

Edinburgh welcomed pipe bands from New Zealand, Australia, South Africa and the United States of America for this year's Military Tattoo in keeping with the promise to bring together influences from around all world.