Organisers of the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo have been brought in to mastermind the opening ceremony of the Tour de France when the cycling event is staged in Scotland for the first time in Scotland next year.
The 8900-capacity arena on the Edinburgh Castle esplanade, which has hosted the annual cultural showpiece since 1950, will be deployed for the Grand Départ ceremony on June 30 ahead of the first stage of the race getting underway on July 2.
Tattoo chiefs said the partnership with the Tour de France would bring together two “globally recognised national brands” on the one stage for an event which will “resonate far beyond Edinburgh”.
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All of the elite cyclists taking part in the world’s most famous cycle race will be introduced to fans at the opening ceremony, which is expected to feature music, movement, special effects and storytelling.
A massed band of pipers and drummers put together by the Tattoo will be performing at the event, which will feature celebrations of Scottish, English, Welsh and French culture in recognition of the route for the 2027 race.
Details of how to get tickets for the castle esplanade show are expected to be announced in the coming months.
However organisers say the opening ceremony celebrations will also "extend along the Royal Mile and surrounding areas" so that fans without tickets will still be able to welcome the riders and their teams.
An official announcement said the Edinburgh Castle event would feature “cultural showcases celebrating the best of Britain and France” and would be a blend of “elite sport, world-class Scottish traditional arts and community participation”.
Alan Lane, the Tattoo’s creative director, said: “The creative production team have perfected the process of making a Tattoo on the iconic esplanade in front of Edinburgh Castle.
“The opportunity to apply those years of experience in the service of a different global story is exciting all of us – the same breathtaking stage, the same traditional Scottish performance at our heart and a different compelling story to be told to the audience.”
Jason Barrett, the Tattoo’s chief executive: “We are thrilled to bring the artistry and energy of the Tattoo to the ceremony on the Edinburgh Castle esplanade next year.
“This event is not only a chance to showcase the United Kingdom and Scotland to a global audience, honour the athletes, and inspire millions, it’s also a celebration of our ability to adapt and innovate.
“For over 75 years, the Tattoo has delivered unforgettable performances rooted in Scottish tradition, but this marks an exciting new chapter as we expand our production portfolio into other iconic major international events.
“By partnering with the Tour de France, two globally recognised national brands on a world stage, we are creating an experience that will resonate far beyond Edinburgh, leaving a legacy for audiences both at home and abroad.”
Paul Bush, managing director of Grand Départ GB Ltd, said: “The Grand Départ is always a celebration of sport, culture, and community, and the 2027 edition promises to be something truly special.
“Partnering with The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo to deliver the presentation of riders ceremony allows us to begin the Grand Départ celebrations on a stage unlike any other, in a way that honours British traditions while sharing our creativity and spirit with the world.
“The Tattoo’s ability to create unforgettable large-scale performances will give the riders, and millions of fans, an opening that sets the tone for the entire Grand Départ and will be remembered long after the peloton has crossed the finish line in Paris.”
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