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Armed Forces thrill at the Royal Military Edinburgh Tattoo 2022

Image shows performers and musicians outside Edinburgh Castle, with crowds watching from the stands.

Armed Forces joined together in the annual Royal Military Edinburgh Tattoo 2022, to celebrate the talent of military Pipers, Drummers and Musicians.

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Over 225,000 people attended the grounds of Edinburgh Castle, while almost one billion people across the world tuned in to watch live.

Image shows parade with fireworks and a face projected onto Edinburgh Castle at night.

This years’ theme focussed on ‘voices,’ inspiring the Next Generation of RAF and showcasing different cultures and traditions from around the world. Performers were given the stage to express themselves, with acts from countries such as the USA, Switzerland, Mexico, and New Zealand.

Image shows Band performing in full Scottish tartan and head dress.

The RAF Pipes & Drums Band provided music alongside personnel and veterans from the UK and NATO military. 603 Royal Auxiliary Air Force Squadron supported the performances, with guests from RAF Astra and the RAF Youth & STEM Network. RAF Brize Norton also provided a spectacular flypast of a C-17 Globemaster aircraft.

Image shows musicians outside Edinburgh Castle, with crowds and a flypast.

Senior Commanders took the Salute for the RAF on each evening of the Tattoo, including the Chief of the Air Staff, Sir Mike Wigston; Deputy Commander Capability, Air Marshal Sir Rich Knighton; Director-General of Joint Force Development, Air Marshal Ian Gale; former Vice-Chief of the Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Anthony Bagnall; and former Deputy Commander Operations, Air Marshal Sir Gerry Mayhew.

Image shows RAF aviator saluting amid public crowd.
Air Chief Marshall Sir Mike Wigston taking the Salute.
Image shows RAF aviator saluting from seating area amid public crowd.
Air Marshal Sir Rich Knighton taking the Salute.
Image shows RAF aviator saluting.
Air Marshal Ian Gale taking the Salute.
Image shows RAF aviator saluting amid public crowd.
Air Chief Marshal Sir Anthony Bagnall taking the Salute.
Image shows RAF aviator saluting amid public crowd.
Air Marshal Sir Gerry Mayhew taking the Salute.

Hundreds of artistic performers gave breath-taking displays under the dazzling lights on the Esplanade.

Image shows drummers perform with Switzerland flags outside Edinburgh Castle.

The crowds were captivated by the fantastic array of colourful costumes and Day of the Dead makeup that recreated a lively Mexican carnival atmosphere. Not only in tribute the Her Majesty The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, but also the late Duke of Edinburgh; the colours and movements inspired by an image taken of him during trip to Mexico to support the conservation of monarch butterflies.

Image shows a Mexican performer wearing green feathers costume and a cheetah head dress.

Highland Country dancers stepped along to the music of the bands in traditional Scottish tartan, alongside the full dress of the RAF Pipes & Drums Band.

Image shows Highland Country dancers and RAF Pipe and Drums band performing outside Edinburgh Castle.

The Show was a thrilling success for all who performed, attended, and watched.

Image shows parade with crowds watching and spotlights emitting from Edinburgh Castle

Read more about being an RAF Musician

Image shows Band performing in Scottish tartans.

Read more about the RAF Music Services

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