In pictures: Acts gear up for Edinburgh Tattoo

A Mongolian throat singer, Mexican dancers and a native New Zealand Maori war dance will feature alongside bagpipers and martial bands from around the world at Edinburgh’s Royal Military Tattoo when it opens on Friday for its annual three-week run.

Dancer Maria-Elena Sombrererio with Mexican musicians and dancers at Edinburgh Castle. Picture: Alan Smith

The Tattoo, a 90-minute extravaganza of military bands, bagpipers, drummers, dancers and other performances set against the backdrop of Edinburgh Castle, draws thousands of visitors to the Scottish capital during the month of August.

• Everything you need to know about the Edinburgh Royal Military Tattoo