Amazing to be here: Edinburgh Military Tattoo celebrates heroes as it turns 75
The 75th year of the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo has begun with a special preview performance in the Scottish capital.
The theme of this year's show is The Heroes That Made Us, with the Army acting as the lead service as the event celebrates a run that's now lasted for three quarters of a century.
The Ukraine Naval Forces Orchestra were among the 800 performers from around the world entertaining the crowd on the Castle Esplanade.
The Odessa-based orchestra are making their debut at the iconic event this year as war continues to rage in their homeland.
Commander Luibomyr Sukennik said: "We are glad to represent our country, our national traditions, the armed forces of Ukraine.
"We have the possibility to perform music, the possibility to tell the whole world about Ukraine, about all the pain."
As the lead service, the Army were well represented with the Band of The Royal Regiment of Scotland, British Army Band Catterick, British Army Band Tidworth, British Army Band Colchester, the Band of the Prince of Wales, Countess of Wessex Strings, Pipes and Drums of 1st Battalion Scots Guards, 2nd Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland, 3rd Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland, 4th Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland, the Pipes And Drums of the Royal Corps of Signals all taking part.
Private George Bennett of 1 Royal Yorkshire Regiment - who was part of the guard of honour - said: "It's the first time performing here, it's the first time performing anywhere that's not in the drill square.
"It's amazing to be here, to represent not just the regiment, but also the county."
The 2025 run is the first with Alan Lane – a reservist with the Royal Engineers – as creative director.
He said: "It is an impossible show, a brilliant show - the best show in Britain.
"It is a miracle every year but I'm really excited."
As well as the Ukrainians, the Swiss Top Secret Drum Corps, the Band of the Polish Border Guard, the United States Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps and United States Honour Guard Drill Team are all part of the line-up.
Staff Sergeant William Douglass said: "I'm representing myself, I'm representing my country on an international stage... it's a lot of pride.
"I feel so honoured and privileged."
The show will be performed at Edinburgh Castle until 23 August.
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