• The 2025 Show will celebrate heroes, showcasing the story of the Tattoo and those wider society who provide the heartbeat for communities across the UK
• A storyteller will join the cast, bring a modern twist to narration for the 75th anniversary

 The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo will use its 75th anniversary to tell its history to date and to celebrate special individuals who stitch communities together across the country in The Heroes Who Made Us.

Under the direction of new Creative Director Alan Lane, next summer’s spectacular will shine a light on the heroes across the Tattoo, military and wider society in Scotland who help better the lives of others through their efforts, to take audiences on a journey through the Tattoo’s history.

The Show, which will run from 1-23 August 2025, will also see the introduction of a storyteller, who will not only guide audiences through the Show, but immerse themselves in the performance to provide an even deeper and enhanced emotional audience experience.

The Heroes Who Made Us will be the first Tattoo from new Creative Director Alan Lane, who places storytelling at the heart of his creative process. The performance will also nod to Scotland’s proud history in the arts and military connection with Skipinnish’s song ‘Eagle’s Wing’ being performed as part of the finale with the whole cast, supported by state-of-the-art projection and lighting.

Alan Lane, Creative Director at The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, said: “I’m a theatre director so of course I come to the Tattoo as a show with storytelling at its heart. The introduction of a storyteller is how I make sense of this amazing, epic show and allows me to be really clear with the two themes at the heart of our 75th anniversary Show.

“Firstly, we’re celebrating the 75-year history of the global cultural phenomenon that is the Tattoo and all the talented and dedicated heroes who have made the Show what it is over the decades. And we’re also honouring the heroes who stitch together our communities into a nation with their efforts, their volunteering, the example they inspire with the way they lead their lives. The unsung local heroes who help others, lead community groups and give of their time for the benefit of others. That celebration will be at the heart of our Show this year.

“Respecting everything that has come before, and celebrating that past whilst making a new, contemporary iteration of this classic show has been our driving focus over the last few months.  I really can’t wait for the audience to see what we have in store for them.”

The innovation and creativity flowing through the Show run right through the wider Tattoo brand with an exhibition being held in in December at St Andrew Square in the heart of Edinburgh to chart the journey through performances over the years, while the Tattoo is also using its 75th anniversary to demonstrate its ongoing and unwavering commitment to the charity sector.

Following a successful 2024 Show, the Tattoo will be donating military and arts charities across the United Kingdom and for the 75th anniversary, an additional donation of 75p from every 2025 Show ticket sold will be made to a charity yet to be decided by a public vote on the Tattoo website.

Jason Barrett, Chief Executive Officer at The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, said: “We’re excited to celebrate the 75th anniversary of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo and while naturally people think of the lights, sounds and skill featured on the Esplanade, we have so much more going on throughout the year to signify this celebration.”

“I’m a firm believer that if you’re standing still, you’re falling behind which is why we continue to evolve and innovate creatively throughout the entire company.  From our plans to tour internationally, to enhancing our arena for a better experience, to upgrading our systems and processes throughout the business, we are committed to growing the brand and elevating the Tattoo at all levels.

“Our 75th allows us to look back proudly on the legacy and enthusiastically to the future.  In this anniversary year, we recommit to giving more to our charitable partners and to honouring those who’ve made the Tattoo so successful.”

Tickets for The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo’s 75th anniversary Show are now on sale and can be purchased at edintattoo.co.uk/tickets or on the phone, 0131 225 1188. The Show will run from 1-23 August 2025.