Edinburgh Military Tattoo to Accompany TDF 2027 Presentation
There’s to be a Royal Military Tattoo performance at Edinburgh Castle next Summer to help launch the 2027 Tour de France.
The military bands of the Tattoo will take part in the Tour de France Presentation on Wednesday 30th June 2027.
The event is to take place at Edinburgh Castle Esplanade in front of a crowd of 8,500 and a live TV audience. The main purpose of the race presentation is to introduce the riders and teams, but short films are played too.
What is the Edinburgh Tattoo?
The word ‘tattoo’ comes from the C17th Dutch doe den tap toe, meaning ‘turn the tap off’. It was played on regimental drums, and was a signal to inns to stop selling beer so soldiers would return to their barracks.
The first public military tattoo in Edinburgh was in 1949 and titled ‘Something About a Soldier’; it was performed at the Ross Bandstand at Princes Street Gardens. Then in 1950, the first official Edinburgh Military Tattoo was performed on the castle Esplanade in 1950.
These days, there are Tattoos in August – every weekday evening and twice on Saturdays. They feature music, movement, special effects and storytelling.
Jason Barrett
Chief Executive of the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo Jason Barrett said:
‘We are thrilled to bring the artistry and energy of the Tattoo to the Riders’ Presentation Ceremony on the Edinburgh Castle Esplanade next year’.
Alan Lane
Creative Director of the Tattoo Alan Lane said:
‘The creative production team have perfected the process of making a Tattoo on the iconic esplanade in front of Edinburgh Castle. The opportunity to apply those years of experience in the service of a different global story is exciting all of us’.
Paul Bush
Managing Director of Grand Départ GB Ltd Paul Bush said:
‘The Tattoo’s ability to create unforgettable large-scale performances will give the riders and millions of fans an opening that sets the tone for the entire Grand Départ and will be remembered long after the peloton has crossed the finish line in Paris’.