Could those of you who have gone to past Tattoo's please tell me the best way to buy tickets for 2009 since I live in the USA. I've seen them offered on E-bay but I've also read where the Tattoo officials don't have to accept them (don't know how they would know I wasn't the original buyer)...any help plus Tattoo experiences would be most welcome
Posted by
Des Moines
65 posts
Look at the official tattoo web site and click on "tickets": www.edintattoo.co.uk
There are a variety of ways to purchase tickets; you can decide which is best for you.
I went to the tattoo many years ago and still recall it as a highlight of all the times I've been to Scotland. The massed bands, international guest bands and performance artists are enthralling. At the end of the night a lone piper plays from the ramparts of the castle. It was very impressive.
Posted by
Sandy Springs, GA, USA
28 posts
When I went in 2002 just go to there website to purchase your tickets. Make sure that you check out the website at around Sept 2008 to see when the tickets will be sold. Because they sell-out really fast.
Posted by
London, UK
286 posts
I got really lucky my first year but the next year wasn't so lucky! Definitely start looking before then end of the year.
It is a great time out!
Posted by
Columbus, OH, USA
208 posts
I went in 2002 also! The "Skye Boat Song" played by the lone piper at the end of the performance made me cry - its one of my favs! The 2002 version was a tribute to the Queen's Golden Jubilee and a tribute to the Queen Mother who had passed away that year. The Skye Boat Song was one of her favorites.
Don - check the website and deal DIRECTLY with the Tattoo. Yes,you may find them a bit cheaper on ebay, but isn't it better to have a guarantee and know your ticket is authentic? It would be a real bummer if you got there and your ticket was proven to be counterfeit if you got it from ebay. After reading about the Olympic ticket scams, I prefer to deal with the seller directly rather than through a broker.
Disclaimer finished. The Tattoo is one of THE most memorable experiences in my 3 trips to Scotland. If you are going to be in Edinburgh in August it would be a crime to miss it. The Cowal Highland Gathering would be up there also.
Check your local library or local Scottish organization to see if anyone has a video of the Tattoo - any year will do. You'll also have a good idea of what it will be like.
Be sure to arrive early - you can see some of the set-up as performers are getting ready for the Tattoo. Not to mention it will be JAM-PACKED. It is an amazing experience! Do go!
Posted by
Lewis, WV, US
178 posts
Don, we went with a tour, but I have to agree that you should buy your tickets direct. Definitely go!!!!! We have traveled the world over and it is at the top of the list of all of our travels, especially if you have Scottish heritage and enjoy Scottish music. I still get cold chills thinking of what it felt and sounded like as the first musicians came proudly out of the magnificent castle. My family sat in awe the entire time.
Later, I ordered a DVD of the show, so keep that in mind.
Posted by
Arlington, WA
993 posts
Buying your tickets on line will give you more control over where your seats will be. The last time we went was in '02 for my husbands 60th. If I remember correctly they go on sale just after the first of the year. You must stay on top of this because once they go on sale, they go rather quickly. Especially the weekends. We had dinner at The Witchery before going to the Tattoo. Wonderful.
Posted by
Arlington, WA
993 posts
p.s. We paid in advance for the dvd which was to be mailed to us. It never arrived.
Posted by
austin
9 posts
Don--Go to the official Tattoo website and purchase them when they become available. My husband and I just returned from viewing the 2008 Tattoo and it was spectacular. That happened to be the only day (out of 15) on our trip in which it did not rain!