An iconic Scottish cloth, a famous spirit, and a troublesome cartoon character will all make an appearance at the 62nd Edinburgh Military Tattoo (3-25 August).
This year's Tattoo marks the 60th anniversary of Her Majesty the Queen’s accession to the throne as its principal theme, but it will also celebrate the ‘Year of Creative Scotland’ by spotlighting some of this country’s most enduring achievements.
As well as sets devoted to Tweed and a history of Scottish whisky, cartoon mischief-maker Dennis the Menace will be appearing in his classic red and white hooped jumper, along with Minnie the Minx.
The event, which features 12 pipe bands from home and abroad, opens with a scene of a Pictish warrior seizing upon a shiny pebble and will include a six-minute medley of music inspired by the Disney/Pixar film Brave, performed by the Bands of Her Majesty’s Royal Marines Scotland, The Queen’s Division, The King’s Division and The Royal Air Force.
It ends with an arrangement of Diamonds Are For Ever, as well as the traditional lone piper playing on the ramparts of the castle and the audience joining hands for a rendition of Auld Lang Syne.
Among this year's guests are Tattoo favourites Top Secret Drum Corps from the Swiss city of Basel, who will tell the story of rapid growth in communications and computing technology, helped by development of microprocessors and the Internet.
Another popular set will be the display of precision drill by The Guard of His Majesty the King of Norway, whose skill with bayonet tipped rifles has thrilled spectators on eight previous occasions.
The climax of the evening is an orchestral re-enactment of Queen Elizabeth’s Coronation of 1953.
A towering cathedral forms the backdrop and projected images, church bells and voice-overs vividly recall that momentous event, with youngsters from Erskine Stewart’s Melville Schools and featuring audience favourites Highland Cathedral, Scots Wha Hae and Heilan Laddie.
Some tickets for the 2012 Tattoo, priced £23 to £59, can still be obtained for the event.
See the Edinburgh Military Tattoo for further information.