Under rainy Brisbane skies, the Australian Defence Force helped bring the world‑famous Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo to Suncorp Stadium for the first time.

Marking its 75th anniversary, the milestone production – titled The Heroes Who Made Us – delivered the precision, pride and pageantry that has defined the Tattoo for generations. 

Creative Director Alan Lane said the Tattoo had never looked as big or handsome, a sentiment echoed by audiences across the packed stadium.

“It’s an honour to bring this show to Brisbane and Auckland for those to whom it means so much, and those who are discovering the Tattoo for the first time,” Mr Lane said.

The word ‘Tattoo’ has its origins in the 17th‑century Dutch phrase doe den tap toe, meaning “turn off the taps” – a signal for innkeepers to stop serving so soldiers could return to barracks. 

Over time, this simple instruction evolved into an evening display of military music and ceremony. 

Today, the Edinburgh Tattoo remains one of the world’s most recognisable showcases of military tradition, cultural performance and international cooperation.

More than 240 ADF personnel joined over 1100 performers from 13 nations, including the United Kingdom, United States, New Zealand, Norway, Switzerland, Japan and Tonga. 

'It’s an honour to bring this show to Brisbane and Auckland for those to whom it means so much, and those who are discovering the Tattoo for the first time.'

Audiences were treated to the full sweep of Tattoo tradition: the unmistakable skirl of Scottish bagpipes, stirring anthems, massed military bands, the athleticism of the Tattoo Dancers and a vibrant fusion of global performers.

The combined military bands of the ADF were prominently featured, performing alongside their international counterparts: the Band of His Majesty’s Royal Marines Scotland and ‘The Commandant’s Own’ US Marine Drum and Bugle Corps. 

Major Nate Morris of the US Marine Corps captured the enthusiasm of many performers when he said: “When they called and asked if we’d like to be part of this international Tattoo in Australia and New Zealand, it was a no‑brainer.”

For this writer – a former member of the Royal Marines Band – the return of their unmistakable sound was a particular highlight. 

Their precision, musical power and unmistakable tone remain as stirring today as they were decades ago.

Nick Grace, Musical Director of the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo and former Principal Director of Music, HM Royal Marines, reflected on his own connection to the city. 

“I was last in Brisbane 38 years ago on board the Royal Yacht Britannia, when Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II opened World Expo ’88. Much has changed,” Mr Grace said.

One musical moment carried a personal resonance – the strains of The Proclaimers’ Sunshine on Leith echoing around the stadium. 

The irony was not lost on this writer, given that Leith Docks in Edinburgh has been home to the Royal Yacht Britannia since its decommissioning in 1997.

The younger members of the audience were equally delighted when the Royal Australian Navy Band worked the Bluey theme into its marching repertoire as part of the ADF Massed Bands performance – a distinctly Brisbane touch that drew smiles across the stadium.

With its rich history and global reputation, the Edinburgh Tattoo’s arrival in Brisbane marked a defining moment in Australia’s 2026 cultural calendar – an event that honoured tradition while inspiring new generations.