Busiest Early Sales Period Since Records Began

Record numbers of people have already secured their seats for this summer's Military Tattoo (6-28 August 2004).

In little more than 4 weeks since the Box Office opened, over 149,000 visitors have booked tickets, contributing to the busiest early Tattoo sales period since records began.

Latest figures released today reveal that 68% of the available 217,000 tickets for the 2004 production have been sold, a rise of 13% (over 30,000 seat sales) compared with the same period last year. These encouraging year-on-year figures represent some £2.7 million in gross box office takings to date.

Said Tattoo Chief Executive and Producer, Brigadier Melville Jameson: "While there is of course still some way to go, I am thrilled by this early demand which suggests prospects for 2004 are certainly most promising."

Performers from five continents - Africa, North America, Asia, Australia and Europe - are set to feature amongst one of the biggest casts ever assembled for the Tattoo.

Colourful contributions are expected from the RAF's Massed Bands, and renowned RAF drill display team, The Queen's Colour Squadron, the South African Navy Band from Cape Town together with a large cultural and military contingent from India, and that world-famous spectacle of sight and sound, and very essence of the Tattoo, the Massed Pipes & Drums.

While for the very first time in the Tattoo's history, the enchanting world of contemporary Chinese dance will be provided by an amazing dance troupe from Beijing, who will be accompanied by a 50-strong Chinese military band.

Tickets, priced £9.50 to £32.50, 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.