nona1

Hi (x posted without UK tag, sorry, please reply here)

anyone been? Following from my thread on wedding I'll be going to in Scotland, we've ended up booking 3 nights in Edinburgh. Now this all clashes with Edinburgh festival, Edinburgh fringe, and Edinburgh tattoo and I'm lost for choice...one night will be at the wedding of course, but that leaves us two in Edinburgh...

thinking of the tattoo but has anyone been? We aren't particularly military so would we get bored or is there a lot more to it than bands and formation marching...also, if it is wet and cold do you have to just sit out and suffer (OH is a wimp and would simply not enjoy the event if it is), can you use umbrellas etc?

The only seats left are right at the end of the arena near the entrance - do you still get a good enough view or just see everyone's backs most of the time? They are quite pricey for us so it needs to be worthwhile, a real 'wow' event.

Would you recommend or not? Any other ideas for 'can't miss' this year in 2012 (dates 2nd and 3rd Aug).

Thank you

Southam

It's a great spectacle, in a dramatic setting, but it is outdoors and the weather is Scottish. Of course it is military, but better to use armies for music than for shooting. The displays this year include units from Brazil and Bavaria, along with the Dutch Bicycle Band (!). If tickets are nearly sold out, that helps you guage the popularity.
You're lucky to have found accommodations in the midst of the world's biggest theatrical feast. But if your dates are Aug. 2 and 3, you are not actually in the middle of it. The International Festival doesn't start until the next week while the Fringe begins Aug. 3 (tickets on sale May 31.) That's the tattoo opener as well.
Festival prices are economical by international standards.

adrienne

The tatoo was a wonderful experience!!! I didn't think I would enjoy it but LOVED IT!! Go to see it even though the seats areen't the best. Yes, you will see the backs of the marching bands but you will also see them from the front.

No...you cannot use umbrellas.

Yes...the venue is outside.

No...you do not suffer because the event is so engrossing you don't think about the weather.

When I went it was the only rainy night of a 2 week trip. Bring hooded water-proof jackets. Our hotel gave us bin bags for our laps but people were so padded with clothing and the seats were so close together a rain drop could hardly get to me - LOL. Also, being close together keeps in the body heat.

Ask someone to give you the tickets for a wedding present. That would make it even more special.

Vicky

I went specifically to see the Tatoo and I loved it. The backdrop of the castle is wonderful and there were fireworks after the show. Lots of variety.

nona1

are there fireworks every night or just Saturday? I'd feel happier about booking if I could see this year's programme but there's no info on it yet.

adrienne - we are going as guests, it's not our wedding, but nice idea

adrienne

I think the fireworks are only on Saturday now (check the web site but the last time I looked they were only on Saturday).

Enjoy the wedding, even though it's not your own! Men dressed up in kilts for a wedding are definitely sexy!

janisj

I am really surprised you can still get tickets. It usually totally sells out by May-ish. (the best seats sell out in a few days when the tickets are released.)

Yes, definitely go. There are no truly bad seats. You won't have the <i>best</i> view but it won't be bad.

It is a REALLY <B>WOW</B> event.

amelie

Yes, we went and yes it's worth it. It was amazing! GO
You may luck out like we did and had a great rain free 65 deg evening. I was all prepared to bring blankets though.

twina49

We were there in August 2008 on what had to be the rainest night on record (and I'm serious - the media reported that Edinburgh got more rain that day then it had had the whole month....), but still loved it! I ordered the tickets as soon as they were on sale so we were sitting facing the castle. We were bundled up in jeans, short Wellies and decent rain ponchos and still got wet (as in, "take the camera out from under the poncho, wipe off the lens, take a few photos and repeat").

Yes, it's military, but so much more! Watching all the bands march out while playing Scotland the Brave was fantastic. The dance troups were amazing and you can't beat the scenery!

LakesideChick

Im going this year So excited. we were lucky, booked only a couple of weeks ago and got seats in the premium section, complete with dinner in the castle beforehand!!

crckwc1

A few years back we sat in the rain the entire performance and thoroughly enjoyed it. We were prepared with waterproof jackets and hoods and bought heavy trash bags that covered us from shoes to hip. Stayed dry. Since we had extra plastic bags, we were able to help others stay dry too. Wonderful show!

cats53

We went to the Tattoo several years ago and also enjoyed it tremendously. We went on a spur of the moment trip to Scotland so the official Tattoo ticket site was sold out. We placed a winning bid on Ebay and were very pleased with the ease of the transaction and the seats themselves.

YouTube has many clips from prior years' Tattoo performances so check them out. Seeing it in person is even more spectacular.