Strike up the pipes and dust off your sporran—Brisbane is about to be tartaned to the hilt.

Brisbane will roll out the metaphorical red carpet (and perhaps a literal Highland one) for the one and only Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo in February 2026 in a landmark coup for Australian cultural life. And this isn’t just any Tattoo—this is the grand 75th anniversary edition, an extravaganza of pageantry, pipes and pounding drums that promises to thump through the heart of Suncorp Stadium like a massed drumline of heritage and heart.

Held under the stars at one of the country’s most iconic venues, the 2026 Tattoo—aptly titled “The Heroes Who Made Us” —is billed as one of the most ambitious international stadium productions in the Tattoo’s venerable history. That’s no small claim from an event that draws 230,000 people annually to Edinburgh and beams its goosebump-inducing displays to more than 100 million worldwide.

A Royal Affair with Deep Roots and Broader Horizons

From its inception in 1950, the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo has evolved from a castle-side concert to a global phenomenon. In 2010, Her Majesty The Queen anointed it with the royal title and has since grown into an unmatched cultural force blending tradition, innovation, and stirring tribute.

In 2026, it comes to Brisbane, not Sydney, not Melbourne (though they’ve had their turn in years past), but Brisbane. The Tattoo’s first-ever Queensland performance will occur over two unmissable nights: Thursday 12 and Saturday 14 February.

Presented in Australia by TEG and The Entertainment Lab and supported by a dream team of Tourism and Events Queensland, Brisbane Economic Development Agency, and Brisbane City Council, the Tattoo’s southern journey is headlined by presenting partner RACQ. Expect kilts, cannons and a good dose of community pride.

The Drumbeat of Unity

More than pomp and circumstance, the Tattoo celebrates identity, resilience, and legacy. The 75th anniversary show will unite over 1,000 performers from the UK, Europe, the USA, New Zealand, Australia, and beyond. Massed military bands, traditional dancers, flag-wavers, and a few tightly choreographed surprises will converge in a kaleidoscope of cultural colour.

At the show’s helm? The Massed Pipes and Drums are from the UK’s finest regiments, along with fan favourites like the Top Secret Drum Corps, which are known for their breathtaking precision and cheeky musical flair.

Australia will be represented by the proud men and women of our own Defence Force, a nod to the ANZAC spirit and shared military heritage that underpins the event’s more profound message.

“The Heroes Who Made Us”—A Theme Close to the Chest

Jason Barrett, CEO of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, calls it a celebration of the human spirit and the shared stories that unite communities: “Bringing the Tattoo to Brisbane for the first time, as part of our 75th anniversary, is a landmark moment in our history,” Barrett said. “This is a celebration of the heroes who shape our communities. We can’t wait to share this unforgettable experience with Australian audiences.”

You can almost hear the bagpipes swelling in the background.

Economic Fanfare and Tourism Crescendos

Queensland Minister for the Environment and Tourism Andrew Powell said the Crisafulli Government is fully supporting. “This significant event has the potential to attract crowds of national and international visitors, generate up to $39 million in economic benefits for our state, and enhance Brisbane’s reputation as a vibrant city on the world stage,” he said.

Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner echoed the sentiment, proudly calling the Tattoo a “spectacular showcase of music, military tradition and Scottish pride” that will add to Brisbane’s global cultural credentials.

“Events of this scale attract thousands of visitors and inject millions into our local businesses every year,” Schrinner said. “The Tattoo will be no exception.”

Local Pipes, Global Pride

Alisdair McLaren, one of Australia’s finest pipers and Head of Piping at Perth’s Presbyterian Ladies’ College, was on hand at Suncorp for the official launch. He’s no stranger to Queensland, having served as a piping tutor at Brisbane Boys’ College and competed many times in the city. He’ll return to Edinburgh next year as Pipe Major for the 75th anniversary show.

“This one goes way back,” McLaren said. “Brisbane has always been a heartbeat of piping talent. Being part of this milestone show in this city feels like a full circle.”

Connor Ferguson, a young dancer with almost two decades of experience in highland and tap, also joined the announcement. He last graced the Tattoo stage in Sydney in 2019. He returns in 2026, tapping his way into the hearts of thousands once more.

Lights, Pipes, Action

The Suncorp Stadium performances will be more than a display of traditional formality. Expect cutting-edge production values, from jaw-rattling audio to a light show that rivals Edinburgh’s New Year’s Eve fireworks.

“This is not your grandfather’s Tattoo,” quipped Geoff Jones, Chairman of TEG. “It’s a celebration of tradition, culture and international connection. For fans of pageantry, music, and military history, the 2026 Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo in Brisbane will be unmissable.”

RACQ Salutes the Occasion

RACQ, the presenting partner for the 2026 performances, isn’t just bringing its branding—it’s bringing benefits.

David Carter, RACQ Managing Director and Group CEO, said, “RACQ is honoured to be part of this exciting chapter in Queensland’s history. Our 1.7 million members will be offered exclusive benefits to this incredible community event.”

You may need a whisky if that doesn’t stir a bit of patriotic pride.

Tickets and Timings

The curtain officially rises on The Heroes Who Made Us at 7:30 pm on 12 and 14 February 2026 at Suncorp Stadium. But the ticket race begins much earlier:

• Telstra Member Pre-sale: 14 May 2025 at 10 am AEST
• RACQ Member Pre-sale: 16 May 2025 at 10 am AEST
• General Public Sale: 21 May 2025 at 10 am local time via Ticketek

VIP packages, group offers and the complete Highland works will be available at edintattooBRISBANE.com.au.

Final Salute

Whether you’re a bagpipe tragic, a proud military buff or simply a sucker for a good old-fashioned spectacle, Brisbane’s 2026 Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo is shaping up to be a once-in-a-generation cultural crescendo. It’s music. It’s memory. It’s a movement with meaning.

And above all, it’s a chance for Queensland to show the world how tradition, when handled with heart, can still bring a tear to the eye and thunder to the soul.

So polish your brogues, don your kilts, and get ready to march to the rhythm of something unforgettable.

Visit: www.edintattoobrisbane.com.au and Learn more: www.edintattoo.co.uk.

 

 

 

By My Thanh Pham

 

 

 

 

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