Edinburgh Tattoo performers rehearse together for first time

Hundreds of performers from the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo have taken part in a rehearsal of the world-famous spectacle.

The military and civilian performers practised together for the first time at the Redford Cavalry Barracks in Edinburgh.

The 67th military spectacle held at Edinburgh Castle from August 5-27 will celebrate Tunes of Glory and mark the Queen's 90th birthday.

This year's line-up includes massed pipes and drums from across the Commonwealth and military musicians from the Brit Award-winning Royal Scots Dragoon Guards, The Royal Regiment of Scotland and The Band of Her Majesty's Royal Marines.

Among other acts performing are The Imps Motorcycle Display Team, His Majesty The King's Guard of Norway, and army bands from the United States, New Zealand, Jordan and Nepal.

David Allfrey, chief executive and producer of the event, said he is "proud" that the Tattoo is a reason for so many people to visit Scotland every year.

He said: "The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo sells tickets in almost 90 countries and we're really very proud of that.

"220,000 people are in our live audience every year and hundreds of millions we're told on the television.

"We know that a huge amount of people come from abroad to watch this show so it's right that we reach out to international acts."

The Tattoo will host more than 220,000 spectators, 1,200 performers, 250 pipers and drummers, five British military bands and a £250,000 projection and light show from the team behind Danny Boyle's 2012 Olympic Games opening ceremony.

The Imps Motorcycle Display Team, a not-for-profit organisation that educates young people from under-privileged backgrounds, will be involved in a stunt as part of the finale of the show.

Robert Barber, 16, who will be taking part in the stunt, said the team are looking forward to the performance as it is their "favourite thing to do".

He added: "It's completely different to anything else we do. Normally we're dealing with crowds of under 100, maybe a couple of 100, but here it's 8,000 at least a night and millions on TV. It's just completely different."

Speaking at the rehearsal, Thomas Larsson, drill guard with the King's Guard of Norway said he was "surprised" at how big the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo is.

He added: "I'm looking forward to it. It's my first time here - the place is really beautiful."