Edinburgh Military Tattoo 2008

Although I have been around Edinburgh for about 15 years, I've never yet been to the Military Tattoo. Ruth and I decided to set this right, so got some reasonably priced tickets for the 2008 event. Predictably since we had tickets for an outdoor event it poured with rain...

	Proud sponsors...
	The band of the Royal Marines tries to get into position to open the show un-noticed before the lights are turned on.
	The massed pipes and drums make an appearance...
	...at first in neat columns...
	...then wheeling into circles and other formations.
	Impressive co-ordination - I'd have got lost!
	They leave us for the time being...
	...and are replaced by a US marching band, complete with majorette.
	Very little in common with military marching here - this was one of the campest displays I've ever seen!
	There's nothing camp about the Royal Marines band as they re-emerge...
	...picked out by spotlights in the pouring rain.
	A brief burst of fireworks...
	..before they start playing a fine programme of music...
	...complete with soloists, who appear to be excused from hat-wearing!
	The esplanade fills up again for the finale...
	...with the King of Norways Guard at the front, followed closely by some Chelsea Pensioners.
	Oops - not holding the camera still for this one but it looks quite cool!
	Fireworks celebrate the climax of the event...
	..and the rain just about stops...
	...as a senior Air Force Officer stands to take the salute.
	The esplanade slowly empties...
	...as each unit in turn marches out.
	It's a long time to be standing saluting...
	...but eventually the last pipe band departs. It's a shame there was so much rain, but it was still a great night out.