Video: Edinburgh Military Tattoo rehearsals

WITH the Edinburgh Military Tattoo opening on Friday evening, here’s a sneak preview of the talent on show at the show piece event.

Changxing Lotus Dragon Dance Folklore Group. Picture: Lisa Ferguson

Among those appearing are the Military Band of the People’s Liberation Army of China; the United States Air Force Honor Guard; the Changxing Lotus Dragon Dance Folklore Group; the Citadel Regimental Band and Pipes and many more.

And the Tattoo is set to receive its biggest ever global TV audience, with more than 1 billion people set to see footage of the event for the first time - a full five years ahead of schedule.

Tattoo Chief Executive Brigadier David Allfrey revealed last year that plans had been put in place to agree Asian broadcasting deals to extend the event’s reach.

Changxing Lotus Dragon Dance Folklore Group. Picture: Lisa Ferguson

More than 150 Chinese performers - including the Military Band of the People’s Liberation Army of China, who sparked protests during an appearance 10 years ago - will appear as part of the show, along with a 12-strong troupe of Indian dancers.

This year’s Tattoo will be staged under the banner of ‘East meets West’, drawing heavily on the year-long cultural exchange between China and the UK.