Amazing Early Seat Sales For 56th Tattoo

• Over 77% of all available tickets sold in 4 weeks
• £3.25 million in gross ticket sales to date

In spite of the slowing housing market and a recently reported fall in consumer spending, figures released by Tattoo organisers today reveal that over 167,000 visitors have already secured seats for the forthcoming Edinburgh Tattoo (5-27 August 2005).

With the Box Office opening just four weeks ago this has been the Tattoo's busiest early sales period ever.

The latest figures show that a record 77% of the available 217,000 tickets for the 2005 production have now been sold, a healthy jump of 18.5% (over 40,000 seat sales and £550,000) compared to the same period last year. These staggering year-on-year figures represent £3.25 million in gross box office takings so far.

"I'm delighted with these outstanding early sales," commented Brigadier Melville Jameson, the Tattoo's Chief Executive & Producer.

"The ever-increasing demand to see the Tattoo is thrilling for all those connected with the event. I can promise a first class production this year," he said.

Over 1,000 performers from Australia, Norway, the USA, and Russia are set to feature in this summer's Tattoo, which celebrates The Royal Navy and commemorates the 200th anniversary of the Battle of Trafalgar.

Alongside a large contingent of Royal Marines with over 100 musicians will be the Russian Cossack State Song and Dance Ensemble from Moscow, the Guard of His Majesty the King of Norway, and the stirring sounds of a 200-strong Massed Pipes & Drums.

While besides these colourful displays will be The Light Division Band and Bugles who are set to provide a stunning musical and marching exhibition, performed at an incredible 140-paces per minute.

Tickets, priced £10.00 to £35.50, can be obtained from the Tattoo Ticket Sales Office, 32-34 Market Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1QB, by facsimile on 0131-225 8627 or via the Internet at www.edintattoo.co.uk Telephone orders may be made on 08707 555 118.