Performers from across the globe and here in Australia have been announced to perform as part of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo as it comes exclusively to exclusively to
Brisbane and Auckland in February 2026 in celebration of its 75th anniversary, including Brisbane Boys College Pipe Band (which is the only school in the country invited).
Announced at Brisbane Boys College (BBC) in Toowong by Alan Lane, Creative Director of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, who flew in from Scotland for the moment, over 30 bands and cultural groups from more than 12 countries will perform in The Heroes Who Made Us from 12 -15 February as part of a record-breaking run of shows at Suncorp Stadium (four consecutive stadium shows).
Renowned for stirring music
These include UK Military Bands from Royal Navy, The Army and Royal Air Force alongside The Combined Military Bands of the Australian Defence Force (Air Force, Army and Navy), Queensland Police Pipe Band, Western Australia Police Pipe Band, Australia’s Federation Guard, His Majesty the King of Norway’s Guard Band and Drill Team, Japan Air Self-Defence Force Central Band, His Majesty’s Armed Forces The Royal Corps of Musicians Tonga, and The Brisbane Boys’ College Pipe Band, with more to be announced.
The news was celebrated by Brisbane Boys’ College Pipe Major, grade 12 student, 18-year-old Nicholas Shelburn, who has been playing the bagpipes since Year 3 at BBC, and has been to the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo with BBC twice.
Renowned for stirring music, military precision, cultural displays, and dramatic performances, the Australian and New Zealand event will see a total of over 1,100 performers descend on Brisbane and Auckland with international performers including Scottish actor Terence Rae as narrator and fan favourite Switzerland’s Top Secret Drum Corps.
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 220,000 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.
A truly world-class line-up
Alan Lane, Creative Director of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, said: “We are absolutely thrilled with the cast we’ve assembled for Australia & New Zealand. This is a 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 Australian audiences is a real delight. We can’t wait to light up Suncorp Stadium with the colour, energy and precision that makes the Tattoo so iconic.”
Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said: “Brisbane is proud to welcome the world-renowned Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo to our major events calendar in 2026. This iconic celebration of artistry, tradition and excellence will be elevated by the involvement of local performers, including the Brisbane Boys’ College Pipe Band, who will share the stage with international talent at this truly world-class event. It’s a remarkable opportunity to showcase Brisbane on the global stage, while delivering a significant boost for local businesses and further reinforcing our reputation as Australia’s lifestyle capital.”
Queensland Minister for Tourism, Andrew Powell, said: “Brisbane is buzzing with anticipation as we prepare to host The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo for the very first time in 2026. This event is a true celebration of both our local Queensland talent and extraordinary performers from around the globe. We’re serious about cementing Queensland’s reputation as the events capital of Australia and this is no exception, with the Tattoo set to inject $39 million into the state’s economy.”
Making its return to Australia and New Zealand for the first time since 2019, this will be the Tattoo’s first-ever performance in Brisbane – 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 Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium.
One of the world’s most spectacular and iconic live events is also set to dazzle New Zealand audiences at Auckland’s Eden Park, February 19-21.
For further details visit: ww.edintattoobrisbane.com.au or www.edintattooauckland.co.nz
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 Australian Defence Force
-Australian Defence Force Pipes and Drums
-Auckland Police Pipes and Drums
-Queensland Police Pipe Band
-The Brisbane Boys’ College Pipe Band
-Australia’s Federation Guard
-The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo Performers – including Pipers, Drummers, Dancers, and Fiddlers
-New Zealand Army Band
-His Majesty the King of Norway’s Guard Band and Drill Team
-Top Secret Drum Corps, Switzerland
-Japan Air Self-Defense Force Central Band
-His Majesty’s Armed Forces, The Royal Corps of Musicians Tonga
Main photo: Alan Lane with members of Brisbane Boys’ College Pipe Band. Photo: Luke Marsden.
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