Royal Military Tattoo: Anyone going? Any advice?

**Octobrachium** · 9th August 18, 12:15 AM

Greetings Rabble,

my wife and I will be off to Edingburgh on Sunday for a short birthday Tattoo & Fringe trip. We've booked a package with a castle dinner before we watch the show.

Do any of you past visitors to the Tattoo have any advice or helpful hints?

Cheers,
Octo

**Jock Scot** · 9th August 18, 12:22 AM

Wrap up warmly(take at least a thin pullover/sweater) and always expect rain and if by some good fortune it does not rain, then use your coats as cushions.

**John_Carrick** · 9th August 18, 12:37 AM

Always wanted to go the Tattoo, but we get a mini one in Belfast now at least. There is a mini free performance at the end at the top of the Royal Mile when the massed bands march out into the street, preceded by the fireworks.

For the Fringe the newspaper reviews how a listing of some of the best shows to see. Comedy shows are often booked well ahead but you can usually get tickets for the best plays and shows.

**Bruce Scott** · 9th August 18, 02:18 AM

My wife and I went five or six years ago and while rain threatened it didn't eventuate. Casual dress is de rigueur for the majority of spectators as seen in the photo below.

**Sir William** · 9th August 18, 04:56 AM

Originally Posted by Jock Scot

Wrap up warmly(take at least a thin pullover/sweater) and always expect rain and if by some good fortune it does not rain, then use your coats as cushions.

Couldn't agree more! The Tattoo will go on regardless of the weather. We've found it cool the few times we've been, if not downright chilly. Spectators dress casually and comfortably. You'll see some kilts, but more the exception than the rule.

**Peter Lowe** · 9th August 18, 03:02 PM

Originally Posted by Sir William

Couldn't agree more! The Tattoo will go on regardless of the weather. We've found it cool the few times we've been, if not downright chilly. Spectators dress casually and comfortably. You'll see some kilts, but more the exception than the rule.

I agree but wear your kilt if you wish - I do! If it looks like rain buy a "pancho" which will help keep you warm as well! Above all enjoy it!

Peter

**Bluethunder90** · 11th August 18, 12:42 AM

Originally Posted by Sir William

Couldn't agree more! The Tattoo will go on regardless of the weather. We've found it cool the few times we've been, if not downright chilly. Spectators dress casually and comfortably. You'll see some kilts, but more the exception than the rule.

It's chilly even in August? Living in Hawaii and being born and raised in Mississippi, I'm used to it being sweltering in August. I can't imagine chilly weather in August. I've always assumed that the notion of the UK being perpetually cold and wet was just people over stating the reality, but perhaps I need to reevaluate my position.

**Jock Scot** · 11th August 18, 02:22 AM

A spot of re-evaluation might be in order. Although our idea of hot might not mesh with yours. This years summer is an exception and we have had temperatures reach into the 90's and even the nights have been, even for us warm on occasion, but as a general rule as Edinburgh is right by the North Sea the cold sea breeze at night, even in the summer, is the norm.

**Curtis Bias** · 11th August 18, 08:24 AM

I just came back from a month long trip to Scotland. The high trmperatures there were hovering around 70- 73 degrees F and there was a drought. We saw rain on the next to the last day of our trip. Being from Louisiana, where temperatures are typically in the 90-105 F range with very high humidity, Scotland felt heavenly. Now I know that the dry weather isn't the norm, but I have to agree with Jock that our ideas in the southern U.S. about weather and someone from Edinburgh may not mesh. People in Edinburgh looked like they were melting in 73F (and the tar roads were literally liquifying), but it felt like I was at home in the air conditioning.

I can not even begin to express how envious I am that you will be attending the Military Tattoo. I will have to wait until I retire to witness the event because I am a teacher. The event is scheduled right when I head back to work each year. It is surely on my bucket list.

**Curtis Bias** · 11th August 18, 08:29 AM

We didnt see air conditioners installed in any places we stayed in Scotland. We just opened the windows and let the breeze blow through. I didnt see mosquitoes like I do back home, but the were some midges out in the country. Buy a container of Smidge and spray down if you head out into the countryside. If you are staying in Edinburgh, I dont believe that the little bugs will be a problem.