Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo Unveils First Line-Up Of Performers For Upcoming New Zealand Shows
Press Release – The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo
Todays announcement sees over 30 bands and cultural groups from more than 12 countries set to perform in The Heroes Who Made Us at Eden Park from 19-21 February.
A phenomenal number of performers from across the globe and here at home have today been confirmed to perform as part of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo as it comes exclusively, and for the first time ever, to Auckland in February 2026 in celebration of its 75th anniversary.
Today’s announcement sees over 30 bands and cultural groups from more than 12 countries set to perform in The Heroes Who Made Us at Eden Park from 19-21 February. These include UK Military Bands from Royal Navy, The Army and Royal Air Force, New Zealand Defence Force Guard of Honour and Combined Services Band, His Majesty’s Royal Marines Band & Royal Drum Corps UK, the Australian Defence Force’s Air Force, His Majesty’s Armed Forces Royal Corps of Musicians Tonga, and His Majesty the King’s Guard Band and Drill Team of Norway amongst many more.
Renowned for stirring music, military precision, cultural displays, and dramatic performances, the New Zealand event will see a total of over 1,100 performers descend on Auckland for the event, with international performers including Scottish actor Terence Rae as the storyteller and fan favourite Top Secret Drum Corps. They’ll be joined by local bands and performers, including a special welcome from Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei.
The announcement follows the close of the Tattoo’s spectacular 75th anniversary season in Edinburgh, which attracted near sell-out crowds to Edinburgh Castle Esplanade throughout August 2025. Over 230,000 spectators attended, travelling from across the world to experience one of Scotland’s most iconic cultural events, with millions more watching the TV broadcast.
From royalty to sporting legends and stars of stage and screen, The Heroes Who Made Us attracted a host of notable attendees, including The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, Scottish tennis champion Andy Murray, and Outlander actor Sam Heughan.
Alan Lane, Creative Director of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, said: “We are absolutely thrilled with the cast we’ve assembled for Auckland. This is truly world-class line-up that brings together the best of music, pageantry and performance. The Tattoo has always been about celebrating culture, connection and spectacle, and to be able to share that spirit with Kiwi audiences is a real delight. We can’t wait to light up Tāmaki Makaurau with the colour, energy and precision that makes the Tattoo so iconic.”
Making its return to New Zealand for the first time since 2016, this will be the Tattoo’s first-ever performance in Auckland – and one of its most ambitious international Stadium productions to date. Blending the timeless traditions of the British Armed Forces with modern performance and world-class production, the Tattoo continues to evolve, while remaining rooted in history. Cutting-edge lighting, immersive sound design and stunning visual imagery will elevate the performance experience, all set under the stars at New Zealand’s National Stadium.
INITIAL 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, Royal Air Force Central Band, and more
The Combined Military Bands of the New Zealand Defence Force
Australian Defence Force Pipes and Drums
Auckland Police Pipes and Drums
Queensland Police Pipe Band
The Brisbane Boys’ College Pipe Band
Pipes and Drums of Christchurch City
ILT City of Invercargill Highland Pipe Band
The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo Performers – including Pipers, Drummers, Dancers, and Fiddlers
Royal Australian Air Force 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
New Zealand Army Band
THE ROYAL EDINBURGH MILITARY TATTOO – AUCKLAND 2026
‘THE HEROES WHO MADE US’ 75TH ANNIVERSARY SHOW
Thursday 19th, Friday 20th and Saturday 21st February 2026, Eden Park, Auckland.
Notes:
- The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo first performed in 1950.
- The Tattoo is performed to a live audience of almost 230,000 annually on the Esplanade of Edinburgh Castle with a further global TV audience of +100M. Performers from over 50 countries have taken part.
- In 2010, the event was renamed The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo after Her Majesty The Queen bestowed the Royal title in honour of its 60th birthday.
- HRH The Princess Royal, Princess Anne, is the Patron of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo
- The Tattoo has donated over £13million to Services and Arts organisations since 1950 from The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo (Charities) Limited – its charitable parent company.
- As part of the Edinburgh Festivals, The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo helps contribute £407m economic impact to Edinburgh, and £313m to Scotland (2022).
- The Tattoo has performed overseas on five occasions and will return to Australia and New Zealand in 2026.
About The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo
The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo is a globally acclaimed celebration of military tradition, music, ceremony and cultural performance. First staged in 1950, the Tattoo has grown into one of the world’s most recognised live events, bringing together performers from over 50 countries. In 2010, it was granted the Royal title by Her Majesty The Queen, and is proudly supported by its patron, HRH The Princess Royal. The Tattoo has raised over £13 million for services and arts charities since its inception. More at: www.edintattoo.co.uk. Follow @edinburghtattoo on Instagram and Facebook.
About TEG Live
TEG Live is a dynamic and diverse promoter of live content operating in many genres, including music, sport, family entertainment, esports, and exhibitions. TEG Live connects millions of fans every year with unique live experiences and adds value to events with hospitality, partnership, and sponsorship services. TEG Live is owned by TEG, a global leader in live entertainment, ticketing, digital and data which sits at the heart of the live event experience for millions of fans. TEG operates globally and includes TEG Live, TEG Sport, TEG Rugby Live, TEG Experiences, TEG Dainty, TEG Van Egmond, TEG MJR, Laneway Festival, Handsome Tours, TEG Europe, TEG Asia, TEG USA, Qudos Bank Arena, Ticketek, Ovation, Fan+, VIP NOW and SXSW Sydney.
About The Entertainment Lab
The Entertainment Lab is an independent live touring producing and promoting company. Dustin Lockett, CEO of The Entertainment Lab has had a distinguished career over the past 20 years across the sports and entertainment industries. Dustin has promoted or co-produced shows such as The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, the Crusty Demons, Grand Designs Live, MasterChef Live, QI Live, X Factor, Roller Derby Xtreme, Better Homes & Gardens Live, Ghost the Musical, The Beast, Neil Oliver, Sir Ranulph Fiennes, Louis Theroux, Ross Kemp, Michael Mosley, Andy’s Amazing Adventures, Dynamo, Blue Planet and Planet Earth Live in Concert, David Walliams and Sir Bob Geldof.
Content Sourced from scoop.co.nz
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