Get Ready, New Zealand: First Line-Up Announced!
We’re celebrating 75 years with ‘The Heroes Who Made Us’ Show at Eden Park from 19-21 February 2026.
A phenomenal number of performers from across the globe have been confirmed to perform as part of the Tattoo as we come exclusively, and for the first time ever, to Auckland in February 2026 in celebration of our 75th anniversary.
Our announcement sees over 30 bands and cultural groups from more than 12 countries set to perform in this iconic stadium. The spectacular New Zealand Army Band couldn’t say “yes” quickly enough when we confirmed that we would be performing in their home country. Other performers include:
- UK Military Bands from Royal Navy, The Army and Royal Air Force,
- New Zealand Defence Force Guard of Honour and Combined Services Band,
- His Majesty’s Royal Marines Band & Royal Drum Corps UK,
- the Australian Defence Force’s Air Force,
- His Majesty’s Armed Forces Royal Corps of Musicians Tonga,
- His Majesty the King’s Guard Band
- Drill Team of Norway amongst many more.
The Tattoo is renowned for stirring music, military precision, cultural displays, and dramatic performances, our New Zealand event will see a total of over 1,100 performers descend on Auckland for the event, with international performers including Scottish actor Terence Rae as the storyteller and fan favourite Top Secret Drum Corps. They’ll be joined by local bands and performers, including a special welcome from Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei.
This announcement follows the close of our Tattoo’s spectacular 75th anniversary season in Edinburgh, which attracted near sell-out crowds to the Edinburgh Castle Esplanade throughout August 2025. Almost 230,000 spectators attended, travelling from across the world to experience one of Scotland’s most iconic cultural events, with millions more watching the TV broadcast.
Alan Lane, Creative Director of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, said:
We are absolutely thrilled with the cast we’ve assembled for Auckland. This is truly world-class line-up that brings together the best of music, pageantry and performance. The Tattoo has always been about celebrating culture, connection and spectacle, and to be able to share that spirit with Kiwi audiences is a real delight. We can’t wait to light up Tāmaki Makaurau with the colour, energy and precision that makes the Tattoo so iconic.
Creative Director of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo
Making our return to New Zealand for the first time since 2016, this will be the Tattoo’s first-ever performance in Auckland - and one of our most ambitious international Stadium productions to date. Blending the timeless traditions of the British Armed Forces with modern performance and world-class production, we continue to evolve, while remaining rooted in history. Cutting-edge lighting, immersive sound design and stunning visual imagery will elevate the performance experience, all set under the stars at New Zealand's National Stadium.
Tickets are still available for 'The Heroes Who Made Us' Show in Auckland. Book now.
INITIAL CAST ANNOUNCEMENT
- UK Massed Military Bands including The Band of His Majesty’s Royal Marines Scotland, The Band of The Royal Regiment of Scotland, The Duchess of Edinburgh’s String Orchestra, Royal Air Force Central Band, and more
- The Combined Military Bands of the New Zealand Defence Force
- Australian Defence Force Pipes and Drums
- Auckland Police Pipes and Drums
- Queensland Police Pipe Band
- The Brisbane Boys’ College Pipe Band
- Pipes and Drums of Christchurch City
- ILT City of Invercargill Highland Pipe Band
- The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo Performers - including Pipers, Drummers, Dancers, and Fiddlers
- Royal Australian Air Force Band
- His Majesty the King of Norway’s Guard Band and Drill Team
- Top Secret Drum Corps
- Japan Air Self-Defense Force Central Band
- His Majesty’s Armed Forces, The Royal Corps of Musicians Tonga
- New Zealand Army Band
06 November 2025