The "Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo" feels like it has been around forever but, in actual fact, it only officially began in 1950 and was awarded the "Royal" part of its title in 2010. However, if you like watching and listening to military personnel marching about in front of grand castles then this is very much for you...
Here's how to watch "Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo 2025" online from anywhere with a VPN — and potentially for free.
"Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo 2025" aired on Monday, August 25 on BBC One from 8 p.m. BST. It is available to stream now on BBC iPlayer.
• WATCH FREE — BBC One/ BBC iPlayer (U.K.)
• Watch anywhere — try NordVPN 100% risk free
The Massed Pipes and Drums, Military Musicians and Tattoo Dancers are traditional fixtures. They will be joined in 2025 by the Band of the Polish Border Guard, Top Secret Drum Corps, United States Honour Guard Drill Team, Ukraine Naval Forces Orchestra, and United States Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps (see below for full list).
The Show will feature songs such as the "74th Slow March" in honour of the brave souls of the 74th (Highland) Regiment who went down with the 'Birkenhead' in 1852 and 'Now That’s What I Call Tattoo 75', an anniversary selection of favourite hits from the last seven decades.
A new feature this year will be the "Storyteller" (played by Scottish actor Terence Rae) who will enhance the stories in the show and spotlight the local heroes who are to be found working tirelessly to support their communities away from the glare of publicity - a spirit duplicated by the charitable actions of the Tattoo since 1950.
Read on to find out how to watch "Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo 2025" online, on TV and from anywhere.
How to watch 'Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo 2025' for FREE in the U.K.
How to watch 'Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo 2025' from abroad
Thanks to the wonders of a VPN (Virtual Private Network), "Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo 2025" should be available to Brits no matter where they are. The software allows your devices to appear to be back in your home country regardless of where in the world you find yourself. Our favorite is NordVPN.
Using a VPN is incredibly simple.
1. Install the VPN of your choice. As we've said, NordVPN is our favorite.
2. Choose the location you wish to connect to in the VPN app. For instance, if you're away from the U.K. and want to view a U.K. service, you'd select U.K. from the list.
3. Sit back and watch the show. Head to BBC iPlayer to watch "Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo 2025" online and on-demand.
How to watch 'Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo 2025' around the world
Can I watch 'Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo 2025' in the United States?
Unfortunately, "Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo 2025" is not available to stream in the U.S. but the finale is available to catch on YouTube.
However, if you are a Brit in the States for work or on vacation you can stream the show by using a VPN such as NordVPN, choosing U.K. from the list and selecting BBC iPlayer.
Watch 'Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo 2025' online and on-demand in the U.K.
"Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo 2025" aired on Monday, August 25 on BBC One from 8 p.m. BST. It is available to stream NOW on BBC iPlayer.
You don't have to miss it if you a Brit exiled abroad because you can unblock BBC iPlayer with a VPN. We recommend NordVPN.
Can I watch 'Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo 2025' online or on TV in Canada?
As with the U.S., "Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo 2025" is not available to stream live in Canada.
However, if you are a Brit in the Great White North for work or on vacation you can stream the show on your own domestic streaming platform by using a VPN such as NordVPN.
Can I watch 'Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo 2025' online in Australia?
At the time of writing there has been no announcement about where "Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo 2025" will be broadcast in Australia but fans of such things have been able to watch the proceedings on 7plus and ABC (over the New Year period) in the past.
There is no confirmation at this stage about where or when the Tattoo will be broadcast/ available to stream in Australia.
However, if you are a Brit working or on vacation Down Under and you want to stream the show on the BBC you can do so by using a VPN such as NordVPN.
Can I watch "Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo 2025" online in New Zealand?
There are currently no plans to air "Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo 2025" in New Zealand but if you are a Brit currently there for work or vacation you can stream the show on BBC iPlayer by using a VPN such as NordVPN.
'Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo 2025' - Performers
- 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
- The 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
- Combined Universities Officer Training Corps Pipes and Drums
- The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo Pipes and Drums
- Crossed Swords Pipes & Drums
- Paris Port Dover Pipes & Drums
- The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo Dancers
- The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo Fiddlers
- Erskine Stewart's Melville Schools Choir
- Ukrainian Children’s Choir
- Sing in the City Choir
- Top Secret Drum Corps
- US Old Guard Fifes and Drum Corps
- United States Air Force Honor Guard Drill Team
- Ukraine Naval Forces Orchestra
- The Representative Band of The Polish Border Guard.
'Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo 2025' - FAQ
Where does the term "Tattoo" come from? What does it mean?
One theory has it that the term is derived from the Dutch phrase “doe den tap toe”, which literally means “turn off the tap”.
In the 17th century, British troops would march through towns in the evening playing signals. The music told innkeepers to stop serving beer (turn off the taps) so that soldiers would return to their barracks for the night. Over time, this “taptoe” evolved into the English word “tattoo”.
It now means a ceremonial performance of music, marching, and sometimes theater or fireworks by armed forces.
What else can I watch on BBC iPlayer?
Lots – including "Strike: Ink Black Heart", "Gavin & Stacey Christmas Special", "Call The Midwife", "Doctor Who: Joy to the World", "Strictly Come Dancing", "Outnumbered" and plenty more.
More from Tom's Guide
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