The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo runs from August 1 to 23, and even without tickets, crowds can enjoy the flyovers from spots around Edinburgh
10:26, 07 Aug 2025Updated 10:27, 07 Aug 2025
EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND – JULY 05: The Red Arrows flypast the Palace of Holyroodhouse, following a National Service of Thanksgiving and Dedication to the coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla at St Giles’ Cathedral on July 5, 2023 in Edinburgh, Scotland. During the service of thanksgiving and dedication for the Coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla, the Honours of Scotland (the Scottish crown jewels) are presented to the new King. The service is based on a similar service held at St Giles’ 70 years ago to mark the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II but unlike the 1953 service, the Stone of Destiny, on which ancient Scottish kings were crowned, will be present in the cathedral. (Photo by Lesley Martin – Pool/Getty Images)(Image: Lesley Martin – Pool/Getty Images)
Thousands are set to gather in Edinburgh this weekend to witness a spectacular flypast by the Red Arrows as part of this year’s Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo.
A highlight of the summer calendar, the Tattoo features a series of breathtaking performances on the Esplanade of Edinburgh Castle.
Tickets for the show, which runs from August 1 to 23, are always in high demand, but even those without entry can still enjoy the aerial displays from vantage points across the city.
The Red Arrows will take to the skies over the capital this Saturday (August 9), with the flyover scheduled for approximately 6.15pm, weather permitting.
Good views can often be found at Calton Hill, the Vennel off the Grassmarket, the Royal Mile and Princes Street, though these spots are expected to be especially busy during the Fringe.
Calton Hill offers a great spot to watch the Red Arrows flying over Edinburgh(Image: Getty Images)
This year, the Tattoo celebrates its 75th anniversary with an expanded programme of flypasts involving aircraft from the Royal Air Force and the British Army, including the return of Apache helicopters.
Flypast schedule for the 2025 Tattoo
- 07 August: RAF Typhoon
- 09 August: Red Arrows, approximately 6.15pm
- 20 August: To be confirmed
- 21 August: Apache helicopters
- 22 August: Apache helicopters
The Red Arrows will take to the skies over Edinburgh on August 9, with the flyover scheduled for approximately 6.15pm(Image: Matthew Horwood/Getty Images)
Jason Barrett, CEO of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, said: “We were born from the spirit of post-war celebration, and that legacy continues to inspire everything we do.
“The Flypasts are a demonstration of the Tattoo’s support and commitment to the UK’s defence forces and are a cherished tradition and a much-loved highlight of our Show, stirring pride and joy in equal measure.
“This year, as we mark our 75th anniversary, we are honoured to welcome aircraft from both the RAF and the Army. As we turn our eyes to the sky, we’re reminded of the extraordinary dedication of our armed forces, at home and around the world.”
The tradition of the flypasts traces its roots back to the earliest days of the Tattoo. Born in 1950, just five years after the end of the Second World War, the event was created to lift the nation’s morale during a period of recovery.
Many had lost loved ones and were rebuilding their lives, and the Tattoo offered a sense of hope and celebration.
Over the past 75 years, the flypasts have become a poignant and symbolic feature of the event, honouring those who have served in the armed forces and remembering those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
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The 2025 Tattoo promises to be a particularly special edition, with performances from military bands and cultural troupes from the United Kingdom, Switzerland, Canada, Germany, Poland, Ukraine and the United States of America.
Spectators attending the Tattoo or watching from nearby should plan ahead and arrive early to secure a good viewing spot, especially for the Red Arrows display.
Those hoping to catch the aircraft flyovers are also advised to check for any last-minute updates due to weather or operational changes.
You can find out more about the Tattoo on their official website.