Airdate: 2017 Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo

ABC tradition the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo will again screen on New Year’s Day.

Filmed before Edinburgh Castle last August, it is again narrated by Bill Paterson, who has been installed since 2011.

In this programme of highlights from the event, narrated by Bill Paterson, musical talent with a ‘Splash of Tartan’ – the theme to this year’s show – will be to the fore. Making a big splash will be the internationally acclaimed Massed Bands of Her Majesty’s Royal Marines, who take centre stage as this year’s ‘home service’ at the Tattoo.

The Queen’s Colour Squadron and the Band of the Royal Air Force Regiment will celebrate 75 years of the Regiment and working with the Royal Navy. Reflecting the now international flavour of the show, and audience, are military musical groups visiting from many countries. Tattoo first-timers the Japan Ground Self-Defence Force Band bring a spectacular display to Edinburgh.

The Indian Naval Band bring bangra to the battlements marking the 70th Anniversary of the Independence of India, and, celebrating the ‘Auld Alliance’, the Fanfare Band of the 9th French Marine Infantry Brigade visit from Poitiers.

The United States Naval Forces Europe Band, based in Naples, join the show, as do the much-loved Shetland Fiddlers who this year celebrate their distinctive Viking heritage. The Tattoo Highland Dancers provide their usual high standard of massed dancing and also show their versatility by seamlessly changing from Highland to Hornpipe and from Ballet to Bollywood as they support the international contingents.

Wonderful music, heritage and spectacle are all packed into this highlights programme, with of course the Massed Pipes and Drums and lone piper on the battlements of Edinburgh Castle rounding off a unique event.

8:30pm Monday January 1 on ABC.