A phenomenal number of performers from across the globe and here at home have today been confirmed to perform as part of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo as it comes exclusively, and for the first time ever, to Auckland in February 2026 in celebration of its 75th anniversary.
Today’s announcement sees over 30 bands and cultural groups from more than 12 countries set to perform in The Heroes Who Made Us at Eden Park from 19-21 February. These include UK Military Bands from Royal Navy, The Army and Royal Air Force, New Zealand Defence Force Guard of Honour and Combined Services Band, His Majesty’s Royal Marines Band & Royal Drum Corps UK, the Australian Defence Force’s Air Force, His Majesty’s Armed Forces Royal Corps of Musicians Tonga, and His Majesty the King’s Guard Band and Drill Team of Norway amongst many more.
Renowned for stirring music, military precision, cultural displays, and dramatic performances, the New Zealand event will see a total of over 1,100 performers descend on Auckland for the event, with international performers including Scottish actor Terence Rae as the storyteller and fan favourite Top Secret Drum Corps. They’ll be joined by local bands and performers, including a special welcome from Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei.
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 230,000 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.
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 New Zealand Defence Force
- Australian Defence Force Pipes and Drums
- Auckland Police Pipes and Drums
- Queensland Police Pipe Band
- The Brisbane Boys’ College Pipe Band
- Pipes and Drums of Christchurch City
- ILT City of Invercargill Highland Pipe Band
- The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo Performers – including Pipers, Drummers, Dancers, and Fiddlers
- Royal Australian Air Force Band
- His Majesty the King of Norway’s Guard Band and Drill Team
- Top Secret Drum Corps
- Japan Air Self-Defense Force Central Band
- His Majesty’s Armed Forces, The Royal Corps of Musicians Tonga
- New Zealand Army Band
THE ROYAL EDINBURGH MILITARY TATTOO – AUCKLAND 2026
‘THE HEROES WHO MADE US’ 75TH ANNIVERSARY SHOW
Thursday 19th, Friday 20th and Saturday 21st February 2026, Eden Park, Auckland.
TICKETS ON SALE NOW THROUGH TICKETEK
