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.

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.

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.

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

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!

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 best view but it won't be bad.

It is a REALLY WOW event.

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.

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!

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!!

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!