Profile:

The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo was conceived and first performed in 1950 as the Army in Scotland’s contribution to Edinburgh’s international festivals.

Over the years the international flavour of the event has been deliberately developed as a key element in its capacity to entertain a huge, cosmopolitan audience.

Today, with its unique blend of music, ceremony, entertainment and theatre set against the magnificent backdrop of Edinburgh Castle, it is without question one of the world’s greatest shows.

The result is an unforgettable annual spectacle that is renowned worldwide – and one which has taken its place as the very drumbeat of Edinburgh’s international festivals.

The 2012 Tattoo runs from 3-25 August.