Heading to Edinburgh in a few weeks and someone on the board recommended me getting tickets for the Edinburgh Military Tattoo. Not that familiar with it other than what I read on the website which was interesting. However it appears tickets tie in a meal with the presentation and the tickets are pretty expensive. So looking for recommendations as to whether the Tattoo is worth the expense. Thanks!

Regular tickets were likely sold out months ago. What you are seeing are the VIP packages . . . and IMO they are very VERY 'worth it'. . . But only if the Tattoo is a bucket list thing you have always dreamed of seeing. Not if it is just a curiosity that someone mentioned.

I've been (I think) 6 times over the years. Twice I've done the special packages - one the Queen Anne package and once the less expensive/less posh but fun Whisky Exprience -- all the rest I was just in general admission seats booked far ahead for FAR less ££££

Mine is a minority opinion but I thought the tattoo was mildly entertaining. I went with friends who were surprised to hear it was considered a must see when there were so many great options at the festivals.

I am glad I went but have no real desire to see it again.

That said, I have read many enthusiastic reviews on this message board.

That's what I meant -- If it is a bucket list thing or something one has always wanted to see AND one is thrilled by pipe bands, military pomp, precision marching, etc -- a definite yes. If one is only mildly interested in such things the hassle/expense probably isn't worth it.

I'm in the first camp. Nikki in the second. Neither is 'right'.

We are seeing it again in a few days. My Husbear finds it far more interesting than I do. I love the bands and could care less about all the other added attractions but for better or worse as they say. We have always opted for the "VIP" package but not the ones which include any meals but rather the ones which include the reception afterward. We appreciate the covered seating but when it rains, and it has both times we have seen it in the past, you are not completely covered so we always go wearing warm clothes (the Tattoo is very specific about what they feel is the "proper" dress) and with at least an umbrella.

Is it "worth it?" Obviously for many it very much is and is enjoyable and memorable.

>>and with at least an umbrella.<<

One is not allowed to use umbrellas during the performances or even in the queue to get in.

I went to it many years ago as it is a special event, of course, and I found out about it when researching what to do there during that time. It wasn't that expensive nor a hassle to go at all. OF course I bought my ticket long in advance.

I thought it was interesting and certainly much more unique than some of the stuff at the Festival, such as another bad minor play.

Why not watch it and see what you think?

What a treat. That must be last Saturday's early performance being all in daylight. I much MUCH prefer the 9PM or later performances. Just doesn't seem the same so early and w/o the fireworks and images on the castle.

I'm not a fan tbh. If you are there while the Fringe is on that's a lot more interesting imo. There are usually also book and food festivals running concurrently.

Ps you can however catch the post-tattoo fireworks for free if you hang around at the right time

I've been once and honestly have no desire to ever see it again. I say it wasn't my thing. I went because it was a "must see" and became a fan member to buy presale tickets that go on sale, I think in December. I probably would just once like I did as I like to see for myself.

Try the ticket office on the day for returns or go down Chambers Street an hour or so before the performance and see if any of the coach drivers have spare tickets

Ps Janis's second post describes it to a t, so that and Gardyloo's video should make it really easy to decide if it's your type of thing or not.....no guesswork required.