Airdate: Edinburgh Military Tattoo 2018

ABC’s annual broadcast of the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, at Edinburgh Castle, screens on New Year’s Day.

True to this year’s Tattoo theme, The Sky Is The Limit, the international cast reaches the heights of entertainment in these highlights from the event, narrated by Bill Paterson.

The Combined Bands of The Royal Cavalry of The Sultanate of Oman bring a spectacular mounted display to Edinburgh. Silent precision drill and weapon skills from the United States Air Force Honor Guard Drill Team and, marking the centenary of the foundation of independent Czechoslovakia, the Central Band of the Czech Armed Forces make their Edinburgh debut.

The RAF College Band take centre stage as this year’s ‘home service’ at the Tattoo. They are marking another centenary – that of the Royal Air Force. They are joined by The Royal Marines Band Plymouth and The Band of the Royal Regiment of Scotland for a fine display of British Military Music.

From North America, the Middlesex County Volunteers Fifes & Drums echo the music from the American War for Independence, whilst Central American tempo is brought by Banda Monumental De Mexico, showing the colours and spirits of Mexico.

The much-loved Shetland Fiddlers, Hjaltibinhoga, bring the sights and sounds of their island home with music echoing the sounds of the seabirds of Shetland. The Tattoo Dance Company provides their usual high standard of massed dancing with a tribute to The Royal Air Force whilst, from Basel, the Top Secret Drum Corps bring another exciting performance of virtuoso drumming, filled with precision, humour and thrilling tempo.

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

7:30pm Tuesday on ABC.