The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo Reviews 111

I could not believe what I was watching..
it used to be Army, Navy and Air force putting on a show with a few guest performances, but I was horrified to see this debacle… more like a musical!
truly not good and not a Military Tattoo … very disappointed…

I would like to know who overseen the proceedings!!

A predominantly USA variety show. What a let down! Bring back the British armed Forces and cut out so many American performances. We do not need dancing women for eye-candy!! This show could have been on stage at The Royal Palladium. A real disappointment.

What on earth is happening with the Tattoo? Where is the ‘Military’? I’m aware that for those unable to return to Edinburgh and who then watch the BBC highlights, what we see is edited and limited. But I wasn’t aware that it had become a dancing/ singing show! Far too many dances, dancers and far too much singing. But not enough much missed proper Tattoo. Shame.

Expected a military tattoo, ended up watching a over produced American style lights show. Bring back tradition.

The Tattoo this year 2024 was pathetic. This year the main theme was supposed to be the Royal Navy and reflects on the fact the Royal Navy is in a bad way.
There was a handful of RN personnel in the honour guard but even that was padded out with navy personnel from other countries and the whole thing appeared to be a US Navy show. The Royal Marines were the main UK Navy contingent. The pipes and drums were excellent as usual. The rest was a light show with dancers and singers again from the US.
Certainly not the Tattoo of old.

As the others have posted, what a shame. I waited 52 years to attend this event, used to watch it on TV, and finally i get to go .... to a dance parade, singers, and bangra display oh yes .. a hip hop dj thing!!! 30% of the show had anything to do with the military. The massed band was the highlight along with the Royal Mariens, but apart from that, it was a second rate west end show. Sadly i will not give it second chance.

What a complete and utter let down. As others have said it was more like a Disney song and dance extravaganza. Couldn’t wait for it to end, it was so embarrassing. We definitely won’t be returning. Bring back the MILITARY TATTOO please not this rubbish.

THE ROYAL MILITARY TATTOO. DIRE. And why did a Dutch Admiral take the salute.
Well done the Royal Marines.

Absolute garbage. Over priced drivel. The event has lost its way. What was once a must see event is now a pale shadow if its proud past.

A military tattoo. That on recent years showing, seems anything other than a tattoo. More a show of just dance and music. Could we go back to a traditional military tattoo, highlighting the excellence that our forces reach. Although having been to the live show in the past.This time it was the BBC show.

I’m currently watching the military tattoo on BBC1 . I also went this year I took a friend visiting from NZ . I have watched it on TV each year and visited once before and enjoyed it . I was so disappointed this time . I wanted to see the actual military and techniques. The ones performing were really good . I couldn’t understand why it was padded out with pointless Scottish jigging and the Indian dancers. It seems that internationally there isn’t enough takers therefore it’s padded out with dancing . The worst a ‘ Star-trek’ weird arrangement. It’s not worth the money , or the nightmare of escaping at the end . My advice is watch it on television instead of hanging around until 9:30 in Edinburgh. I’m glad others feel the same as me . You can tune in and then make brew when the dancing , and warbling is on !

So disappointed in this years Military Tattoo, been many years and loved it, think whoever was producing it this year has lost their way that it’s a military Tattoo .. nothing focused on the epic backdrop of the castle either .. hoping the old Tattoo comes back next year

Having been before to the tattoo we would say please please put the Military first and foremost, we really don’t want to see writhing about the place dancers, mediocre singers and service personnel trying to be hip! It isn’t and it’s disrespectful.
There was very minimal military representation , the clue is in the title, Military. Come on senior Military organisers get your act together, show some pride in our amazing service personel!

I agree with many others. Having seen it several times before, 2024 was very disappointing. The lack of a commentary meant that it lacked atmosphere and there was no explanation of the theme, particularly for a daylight performance when any information shown on the castle wasn’t obvious. If you didn’t have a programme you’d be lost, and even then it’s far from ideal to be constantly reading to see who was who. In the past I found the Tattoo to be a moving experience, this time it was an emotional vacuum. As a proud Scot I was embarrassed for the overseas visitors who paid good money to see it, it just felt like a budget performance for a premium ticket price.

First time at the Tattoo 21 August. Something I’ve always wanted to see. I loved the marines, pipers and drummers. I didn’t love the solo singers, some couldn’t sing either. I feel it wasn’t what I expected. I wanted much more marching bands and much less irrelevant dancing. It did feel like a Disney show at times! At the end the last ‘song’ went on and on and those performers in front of the singers seemed to be just standing there doing nothing. At this point I was wanting it to end. I’m not likely to be able to get there again so a shame it wasn’t better.

I went to see a military tattoo and saw a dance show. I have longed to go to the Tattoo for years and when I eventually did to put it bluntly I saw nothing that remotely looked military. After the opening Pipes the only thing remotely connected to the military were the American sailors with their rifles and they were far to brief. Then followed what can only described as a shambolic attempt at entertainment till the Royal Marine band at the end. I would seriously advise people to save their money and go elsewhere.

I agree with all these reviews
It was nonsense , nothing military about it , it felt like the opening to a bigger event or festival total rubbish waited a year for this

I attended the tattoo with my son on Wednesday 21st August . I have been to this event many times but this was a great disappointment . What was it all about ? For any visitors coming from abroad who didn’t know what the real tattoo used to be like they would go home wondering what all excitement supposed to be . A massive let down was like a variety show , plus weather was awful , felt sorry for so called entertainers. No atmosphere whatsoever . Total waste of money and let down 🥲

Quite a mixed review. My parents came a few years ago and loved the tattoo so when my husband and I planned a stay in Edinburgh in August we decided to get tickets. Most of the show was incredible but I wasn’t expecting so much dancing and singing and didn’t really enjoy those parts. Tickets are pretty expensive and not sure it was as good as I had expected. Stick to the military bands please.