The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo in Brisbane

 Sunday 15 February

The Edinburgh Tattoo is celebrating its 75th birthday with performances in Brisbane and Auckland in NZ. Tickets went on sale online in May 2025. I initially missed out, but with an additional night added, I successfully bought 3 $99 tickets. Joc and Leanne joined me this past Sunday night.

It was a spectacular, blood stirring event, held at Suncorp Football Stadium. The weather Gods however got it totally wrong. We have had little to no rain for over 2 months. Everything brown and garden plants dying.

Monday's weather forecast  for the Tattoo weekend - Millions of Queenslanders are being warned to brace for a major deluge with intense falls threatening flash flooding. The severe weather alert has forced the cancellation of some events. 

We receieved flood alerts from our council, even before the rain had started. Overkill?

The temperatures all week soared as we decluttered. On Thursday, our busiest day, my hair dripped with sweat all day. I've never felt that before. I was so shattered I couldn't eat dinner, just fell into bed. Thankfully the worst was now done. Thursday was the first night of the Tattoo. Was everyone going to swelter or were they going to be drenched? Would there be a cancellation? How did the performers manage to rehearse in the conditions?

The rain began to fall about 4pm in the city, on the first night of the Tattoo. Mid to heavy rain fell all evening and the temperture was still high. How did the performers cope? How did they get everything dry for the next performance? It rained every day, but thankfully Brisbane didn't get the forecast downpour. Flooding did occur in country areas.

Ticket holders who had paid upwards of $300 to be close to the action sat all evening, huddled under their ponchos. Cheaper ticket holders had the protection of the roof.

It rained all afternoon Sunday, easing as we took the bus to the stadium. It stayed dry. We were so relieved for the over 1000 performers who had come from 13 countries to the 'Sunshine State'.

Waiting for the countdown.

The tattoo commences - Edinburgh Castle in Brisbane.

Can you see the letters REMT - Royal Edinburgh Miltary Tattoo. 75 years!

It was interesting that the Welcome to Country and the National Anthems were not performed until a good 20 mins or more into the show.

US Marines

Norwegian Drum Corp

Tongan Dance Troupe

Brilliant entertanment for the 1 1/2 hours to interval.

The second half was only 3/4 of an hour, but just magnificent.

The combined miltary bands.

Readying for the finale.

A brilliant 75th performance.

The farewells commnece.

Their final exit.

The Pipers prepare to leave.

I do love a pipe and brass band! Joc and I were also fortunate to be present at the actual Edinburgh Tattoo in 1978. Both evenings equally brilliant. 

Crashing early and then waking early, has allowed me to post this wonderful event. The worst chores are done and we are more relaxed for the open house on Saturday.

I would love to read your comment.