The programme unveiled yesterday will see more than 600 musicians, 300 dancers and an assortment of animals come together in the famous setting of Edinburgh Castle to celebrate Burns’s work.
This year is both the year of Homecoming Scotland and the 250th anniversary of Burns’s birth.
Edinburgh Tattoo chief executive and producer Major General Euan Loudon said: “Homecoming 2009 offers even more people the opportunity of experiencing something of the music, colour and spectacle of the Edinburgh Tattoo.”
Now in its 60th year, the showpiece military extravaganza makes a return to the capital for its three-week season following a world tour that saw the show reach as far afield as Sydney.
Keeping with tradition, the mood will be noticeably multinational, with participants from Africa, America and Asia all due to take part.
The Tattoo will feature Tongan musicians, an all-male Canadian choir and the Indian Navy as well as entertainers from the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama.
Since the event first took place in 1950, more than 12 million people have experienced the Tattoo and more than 40 countries have been represented with an array of different bands and displays.
Four taster performances of this summer’s 60th Edinburgh Tattoo, which will take place at various locations throughout the country, have also been scheduled.
About 500 performers from around the world are expected to take part in each taster, which will see the Tattoo taken to Ayrshire in the heart of Burns country, as well as Glasgow’s George Square. Linlithgow and Jedburgh.
The line-up will include audience favourites such as Switzerland’s Top Secret Drum Corps, Highland Dancers from Down Under, and Massed Military Bands.
Marie Christie, project director of Homecoming Scotland 2009, said: “Homecoming Scotland is delighted to support the extension of one of Scotland’s world-renowned events, which has already attracted thousands of visitors to the dramatic setting of Edinburgh Castle. These new taster events offer even more opportunities to join in the Homecoming celebrations”.
The Tattoo’s grand finale will feature the 120-musician strong Massed Bands of the Royal Air Force.
Major General Loudon added: “I honestly believe you would be hard-pressed to find another festival event anywhere in the world that’s been going for 60 years and blends this amazing mixture of magical setting, music and a spectacle in such a dramatic and much-loved way.”
The 2009 Edinburgh Tattoo runs from August 7 to 29. See www.edintattoo.co.uk for details.
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