Brissy marches to the beat of a different drum, so it’s only natural that the legendary Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo is making its long-awaited debut in Queensland!
In what is set to be the first and only Australian stop on their tour, this celebration of Scottish and British military and cultural tradition, famous for its massed bagpipes, marching bands and dancers performing against the backdrop of Edinburgh Castle, will grace Suncorp Stadium with two landmark performances.
Over its 75-year history, the event has grown to become a seat-filling spectacular global phenomenon, broadcast to over 100 million spectators worldwide and travelling the globe with its shows of more than 1,000 performers representing over 50 countries.
Another big score for Brisbane since having won the 2032 Olympics, Lang Park will host four of the 75th anniversary ‘The Heroes Who Made Us’ shows on February 12 to February 15, highlighting the Tattoo’s rich history, full of local and international heroes.
This is the first time the event has come to Australia since 2019, and the first time it’s held in Queensland. Premier David Crisafulli frames it as a huge coup for the Sunshine State, “The Tattoo is one of the world’s most spectacular outdoor events, so attracting it to Queensland for the first time is no small feat.
“From bagpipes to bugles, Queenslanders will be able to experience the best military performances from across the globe.”
What to expect
The initial cast for The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo in Brisbane has been announced and we already knew there would be some Aussie pride on display: Performers from the Australian Defence Force will be participating in the display, as well as Perth-born Alisdair McLaren who has since risen through the ranks and is now Pipe Major, leading performances at Tattoos since 2017. But now we have even better news!
Our very own Brisbane Boys College Pipe Band has the honor of being the only school in the country invited, as announced by Alan Lane, Creative Director of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo. The local boys will be joined by over 30 bands and cultural groups from more than 12 countries, who will perform in The Heroes Who Made Us.
Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner expressed pride in the event and Brisbane’s participation in it: “This iconic celebration of artistry, tradition and excellence will be elevated by the involvement of local performers, including the Brisbane Boys’ College Pipe Band, who will share the stage with international talent at this truly world-class event. It’s a remarkable opportunity to showcase Brisbane on the global stage, while delivering a significant boost for local businesses and further reinforcing our reputation as Australia’s lifestyle capital.”
With a total of over 1,100 performers, these include UK Military Bands from Royal Navy, The Army and Royal Air Force alongside The Combined Military Bands of the Australian Defence Force, Queensland Police Pipe Band, Western Australia Police Pipe Band, Australia’s Federation Guard, His Majesty the King of Norway’s Guard Band and Drill Team, Japan Air Self-Defense Force Central Band, His Majesty’s Armed Forces The Royal Corps of Musicians Tonga, and fan favourite Top Secret Drum Corps, with more to be announced. Scottish actor Terence Rae will act as narrator.
The line-up announcement came after the recent close of the Tattoo’s spectacular 75th anniversary season in Edinburgh throughout August, with an audience of over 220,000 spectators, including VIPs like The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, Scottish tennis champion Andy Murray, and Outlander actor Sam Heughan.
Cast announcement
- UK Massed Military Bands including The Band of His Majesty’s Royal Marines Scotland, The Band of The Royal Regiment of Scotland, The Duchess of Edinburgh’s String Orchestra, and Royal Air Force Central Band
- The Combined Military Bands of the Australian Defence Force
- Australian Defence Force Pipes and Drums
- Auckland Police Pipes and Drums
- Queensland Police Pipe Band
- The Brisbane Boys’ College Pipe Band
- Australia’s Federation Guard
- The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo Performers – including Pipers, Drummers, Dancers, and Fiddlers
- New Zealand Army Band
- His Majesty the King of Norway’s Guard Band and Drill Team
- Top Secret Drum Corps
- Japan Air Self-Defense Force Central Band
- His Majesty’s Armed Forces, The Royal Corps of Musicians Tonga
Practical info
The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo will be at Suncorp Stadium from Thursday, February 12 to Sunday, February 25, 2026. Each show starts at 7:30pm.
Tickets range from $99.90 to $350.45 approximately. Souvenir tickets and VIP Pacakges are also available. All types of tickets are on sale now, so get yours here.
📍Suncorp Stadium, 40 Castlemaine St, Milton