The Tattoo marches into Melbourne

The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo will march into Melbourne, Australia for the first time ever next year when more than 1200 performers will gather at Etihad Stadium on 12-13 February 2016.

The Melbourne season was launched today (May 13) by Lord Mayor of Melbourne Robert Doyle in the presence of Brigadier David Allfrey MBE, Chief Executive & Producer of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo.

Featuring a full size replica of Edinburgh Castle, the Massed Pipes and Drums of Scotland’s famous Regiments and performers from around the World, this will be one of the biggest entertainment events ever staged at Etihad Stadium.

With its unique, stirring blend of military ceremony, music and entertainment, The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo is phenomenally popular, attracting an annual television audience of 100 million.

Now the people of Melbourne will have the chance to experience the iconic event live.

Lord Mayor Robert Doyle said: “If there is one world event that we do not have currently that I would like to attract, it is The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo and I am pleased to today announce that it is coming to Melbourne.”

The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo attracts the world’s best massed pipes and drums – and Melbourne will be no exception.  There will be a large contingent of the leading military bands from the UK, along with other international performers.  There will also be a number of bands representing the Australian Defence Forces.

The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo in Melbourne will be one of the greatest outdoor spectacles to be seen in Australia.

Tattoo Chief Executive & Producer Brigadier David Allfrey said: “Australian audiences have always embraced the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo in Edinburgh every August, and include one of the largest International supporters of the event.  But in February 2016 the Tattoo will return to Australia, for performances that will be amongst the most spectacular ever staged.  In over six and a half decades our unique event has been presented abroad on only three occasions.  So we are delighted to be returning this time to Melbourne with a brand new show with the best bands and performers from around the world.  To play in Melbourne is an extraordinary privilege and we are delighted to be an exciting new addition to the 2016 calendar.  This will be an event Melbourne will remember for a lifetime.”