Preview show sets the scene for spectacular global event

This year is the 58th season of the world-famous Edinburgh Military Tattoo, with interest in the event greater than ever.

Traditional masses of pipes and drums provide the core for the displays, but the Tattoo is a truly international affair, with performers hailing from all over the world.

Beneath the stunning backdrop of Edinburgh Castle the spectacular mix of culture, colour, music and tradition wowed a capacity audience of media and guests at a special preview show.

More than 500 musicians, 200 dancers, 30 horses and hundreds more performers, bedecked in sparkling attire, produced a flawless display during the final full dress rehearsal for the event.

The extravagant showpiece is in it's 58th season, and by the time the last drum is beat, bagpipe blown and foot tapped on August 25, more than 200,000 visitors to Edinburgh, and over 100 million television viewers, will have been entertained by a range of international performers.

Complementing the traditional Scottish pipes and drums of The Black Watch and Royal Scots Dragoon Guards were a 150-strong all-girl group of Taiwanese performers, the Royal Army of Oman, authentically-clad American War of Independence musicians, highland dancers from across the Commonwealth, the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force Steel Orchestra and a variety of other acts.

The eclectic mix provided for a suitably colourful array of talent arranged to help celebrate the Diamond Wedding anniversary of the Queen and Prince Philip.

Words and video by STUART MILLER

The 2007 cast:

Performances run from August 3-25

Enjoy a flavour of the Tattoo with our video
highlights of the preview show