Latest news with #Tattoo
The Herald Scotland
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Herald Scotland
Tourist tax targeted as Edinburgh festivals raise 'stagnation' fears
She suggested some were still in a 'precarious' position despite securing new long-term Scottish Government funding earlier this year. Read more: In an exclusive interview with The Herald, Ms Anderson suggested that Edinburgh's proposed new visitor levy - which will be introduced just before next year's summer festivals - was a 'huge opportunity' to help event organisers move from 'survival mode to thriving". Ms Anderson is the third director of the organisation Festivals Edinburgh, which was launched in 2007 to help secure the capital's status as the world's leading 'festival city". Lori Anderson is the director of Festivals Edinburgh. (Image: Colin Mearns) Ms Anderson works with 11 of the city's annual festivals, including the Edinburgh International Festival, the Fringe, the Tattoo, Edinburgh's Hogmanay celebrations, and the city's celebrations of jazz, film, visual art, science, storytelling, children's entertainment and books. Ms Anderson revealed that the 'scale and ambition' of some festival programmes had already had to be reduced as a result of lower-than-hoped-for Scottish Government funding, particularly for this year's events. Lori Anderson is director of Festivals Edinburgh. (Image: Colin Mearns) She suggested that the new Scottish Government funding deals announced by its arts agency, Creative Scotland, in January had not reversed the impact of prolonged standstill funding, which dated back as far as the 2008 global financial crash. Ms Anderson said: 'Edinburgh's festivals are finally in a more stable position after been in crisis mode for a good few years now with significant budget cuts, the pandemic and negotiating Brexit. 'But most of the festivals did not get as much as they wanted for their multi-year funding programmes and the timing of the announcement was much later than expected, which is making 2025 a difficult year. A number of festivals have had to adjust their scale and ambition of their programmes. The Edinburgh International Book Festival relocated last year to a new home at the former Edinburgh Royal Infirmary. Picture: Edinburgh International Book Festival 'Looking ahead to the future, they are really at a bit of a crossroads now. They have a bit of stability at the moment, but their funding is always precarious and always a challenge.' The Scottish Government committed an additional £40m for Creative Scotland's multi-year funding programme, however this is being rolled out over two years. The Edinburgh International Festival's annual funding has increased from £2.3m to £3.25m this year, with a further £1m increase to come in 2026-27. The book festival's annual funding will has gone up from £306,000 to £520,000 this year and will rise a further £160,000 next year, while the art festival's funding is going up from £100,000 to £130,000 then £170,000 over the same period. Two of the city's most high-profile festivals, the Fringe and Edinburgh's Hogmanay festival, do not have long-term funding from the Scottish Government or Creative Scotland. Texan rope performer 'Duke Loopin' on the Royal Mile during the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. Picture: Gordon Terris Ms Anderson added: 'Creative Scotland's funding announcement was really welcome, but that doesn't mean that everyone is really settled now. 'The fire-fighting has subdued a bit and it has provided a bit of stability, but some of the festivals are still in quite a precarious position. The Edinburgh International Film Festival has been running since 1947. 'I think the two directions the festivals could go in from this crossroads moment are either stagnation or ambition. 'There are some opportunities ahead which mean they can start to think more about their future ambitions now, a couple of years ahead of their 80th anniversary. Lori Anderson is director of Festivals Edinburgh. (Image: Colin Mearns) 'We don't want to see the stagnation of the festivals. We want to see them thrive and not just be in survival mode.' Edinburgh's long-planned visitor levy, which is also known as a 'tourist tax,' will be introduced by the city council just days before the main summer festival season gets underway in 2026. Anyone booking accommodation from October 1 will be liable to pay the new five per cent levy, which will be capped for visits of up to five nights. The council, which has predicted the new levy will raise up to £50m a year by 2028, and has pledged that it will be 'reinvested directly into initiatives that benefit residents and enhance visitor experiences.' Ms Anderson described the visitor levy as a 'really exciting opportunity' to secure the future of the festivals. But she warned there was a risk of the city 'robbing Peter to pay Paul' if event organisers and their artists had to pay the extra charge but did not see it reinvested in the festivals. Ms Anderson said: 'The festivals are really entrepreneurial when it comes to looking at creative ways to raise income and being financially sustainable. 'The big challenge for them at the moment is around the cost of doing business in Edinburgh. 'It is an expensive place to live, work and visit and to put on a festival. In particular, there are very high accommodation costs at the moment. 'Visitors, performers and festivals that support the accommodation costs of their artists will have to pay the visitor levy when it comes in. 'But I think it's actually a really exciting opportunity. It's a huge moment for Edinburgh to think holistically and have significant investment across the whole city. It's a moment to be looking forward to and planning for. 'We would hope that, given the contribution that the festivals make to the city, some of the visitor levy income would come back to them, otherwise it would just be a case of robbing Peter to pay Paul.' Under the council's current spending plans, 35% of the money raised via the levy will be ringfenced for culture, heritage and events, although detailed proposals have not yet been agreed by councillors. Ms Anderson said: 'A lot of the festivals are keen to look at investing in their programmes. It could make a huge difference to enable longer-term planning. 'But there is also a huge opportunity to take a strategic approach to the whole city. 'We could see some really exciting projects to the fore to improve infrastructure and connectivity around the city and really help to invest in our cultural organisations, venues and attractions. There's lots to be looking forward to there.' Ms Anderson said the long-term funding secured by many of Edinburgh's festivals earlier this year needed to be the 'start of a new conversation' about how they are supported by the Scottish and UK governments, and the city council. She added: 'Edinburgh's festivals make a huge contribution socially, culturally and economically to Edinburgh, Scotland and the UK. We need to value them and support them with the resources that are needed to maintain and develop them. 'The festivals are second only in scale to an Olympic Games. You have to think about the support and resources are put into an Olympic Games. The festivals have survived for nearly 80 years. They're something that the city, Scotland and the whole of the UK should be incredibly proud of. They're a huge asset, which makes a really significant social, economic and cultural contribution. 'They are joyful, they are inspirational, they are diverse, they happen all year round and they change year-on-year. 'We want to see them supported in order to take forward their ambitions, to continue to represent Scotland and be something that we are incredibly proud of.'
Scoop
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scoop
New Show Added As The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo Gets Set To Bring Its Historic Show To Auckland In 2026
Thanks to overwhelming demand on both sides of the Tasman, an extra Auckland show has been added to the 2026 run of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo at Eden Park — a spectacular celebration of the Tattoo's 75th anniversary. Renowned for stirring music, military precision, cultural displays, and dramatic performances set against the backdrop of Edinburgh Castle, The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo is a global phenomenon, drawing over 230,000 spectators annually in Scotland and over 100 million more worldwide through international broadcasts. A capacity audience attended the Tattoo in Wellington when it was last in New Zealand in 2015, with Auckland set to break attendance records come February. Ahead of the Tattoos arrival in Auckland, it will stop in Brisbane where unpreceded demand has seen sold out performances with additional dates now added. Jason Barrett, CEO of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, said: 'The response from Auckland has been phenomenal. To be announcing another show at Eden Park is a true testament to the excitement and passion Kiwis have for the Tattoo. As we count down to our historic debut in Auckland, we're more inspired than ever to deliver a world-class spectacle that honours tradition, celebrates community, and leaves a lasting legacy in Aotearoa – New Zealand.' Nick Sautner CEO of Eden Park said: Eden Park is delighted with the overwhelming positive response, both locally and internationally, to the announcement of the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo coming to Eden Park in is a world-class city, and major events deliver significant benefits to the wider region, enhancing its appeal as a great place to live, work, stay, and play. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience the greatest show on earth at New Zealand's national stadium. On February 19th, 20th (NEW SHOW) and 21st, 2026, Eden Park will proudly host a full-scale production of the Tattoo's 75th anniversary Show, 'The Heroes Who Made Us' — complete with its signature Scottish bagpipes, massed military bands, Tattoo Dancers, and international performers from across the UK, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and beyond. This emotionally charged Stadium spectacular will bring together over 1,000 of the world's finest performers to showcase stirring anthems, traditional Scottish heritage and bold, contemporary choreography in celebration of the values that connect us all — honour, community, resilience and pride. Led by the magnificent Massed Pipes and Drums featuring UK Military musicians, the Show will feature over 30 bands and acts from around the world including fan-favourite Top Secret Drum Corps and performers from the New Zealand Defence Force amongst many more. Making its return to New Zealand for the first time since 2015, this will be the Tattoo's first-ever performance in Auckland — and one of its most ambitious international Stadium productions to date. Blending the timeless traditions of the British Armed Forces with modern performance and world-class production, the Tattoo continues to evolve, while remaining rooted in history. Cutting-edge lighting, immersive sound design and stunning visual imagery will elevate the performance experience, all set under the stars at Eden Park, New Zealand's National Stadium. Thanks to House of Travel, a range of amazing value packages are now available. To book head to THE ROYAL EDINBURGH MILITARY TATTOO – AUCKLAND 2026 'THE HEROES WHO MADE US' 75TH ANNIVERSARY SHOW Thursday 19th, Friday 20th (NEW SHOW) and Saturday 21st February, 2026, Eden Park, Auckland.
Scoop
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scoop
New Show Added As The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo Gets Set To Bring Its Historic Show To Auckland In 2026
Thanks to overwhelming demand on both sides of the Tasman, an extra Auckland show has been added to the 2026 run of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo at Eden Park — a spectacular celebration of the Tattoo's 75th anniversary. Renowned for stirring music, military precision, cultural displays, and dramatic performances set against the backdrop of Edinburgh Castle, The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo is a global phenomenon, drawing over 230,000 spectators annually in Scotland and over 100 million more worldwide through international broadcasts. A capacity audience attended the Tattoo in Wellington when it was last in New Zealand in 2015, with Auckland set to break attendance records come February. Ahead of the Tattoos arrival in Auckland, it will stop in Brisbane where unpreceded demand has seen sold out performances with additional dates now added. Jason Barrett, CEO of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, said: 'The response from Auckland has been phenomenal. To be announcing another show at Eden Park is a true testament to the excitement and passion Kiwis have for the Tattoo. As we count down to our historic debut in Auckland, we're more inspired than ever to deliver a world-class spectacle that honours tradition, celebrates community, and leaves a lasting legacy in Aotearoa – New Zealand.' Nick Sautner CEO of Eden Park said: Eden Park is delighted with the overwhelming positive response, both locally and internationally, to the announcement of the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo coming to Eden Park in is a world-class city, and major events deliver significant benefits to the wider region, enhancing its appeal as a great place to live, work, stay, and play. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience the greatest show on earth at New Zealand's national stadium. On February 19th, 20th (NEW SHOW) and 21st, 2026, Eden Park will proudly host a full-scale production of the Tattoo's 75th anniversary Show, 'The Heroes Who Made Us' — complete with its signature Scottish bagpipes, massed military bands, Tattoo Dancers, and international performers from across the UK, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and beyond. This emotionally charged Stadium spectacular will bring together over 1,000 of the world's finest performers to showcase stirring anthems, traditional Scottish heritage and bold, contemporary choreography in celebration of the values that connect us all — honour, community, resilience and pride. Led by the magnificent Massed Pipes and Drums featuring UK Military musicians, the Show will feature over 30 bands and acts from around the world including fan-favourite Top Secret Drum Corps and performers from the New Zealand Defence Force amongst many more. Making its return to New Zealand for the first time since 2015, this will be the Tattoo's first-ever performance in Auckland — and one of its most ambitious international Stadium productions to date. Blending the timeless traditions of the British Armed Forces with modern performance and world-class production, the Tattoo continues to evolve, while remaining rooted in history. Cutting-edge lighting, immersive sound design and stunning visual imagery will elevate the performance experience, all set under the stars at Eden Park, New Zealand's National Stadium. Thanks to House of Travel, a range of amazing value packages are now available. To book head to THE ROYAL EDINBURGH MILITARY TATTOO – AUCKLAND 2026 'THE HEROES WHO MADE US' 75TH ANNIVERSARY SHOW Thursday 19th, Friday 20th (NEW SHOW) and Saturday 21st February, 2026, Eden Park, Auckland. Tickets go on sale to the general public this morning. Tuesday 27th May at 9am through Ticketek.
Daily Record
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo announces Australia and New Zealand tours
The iconic musical event will journey to Oceania in 2026. The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo has announced tours for Australia and New Zealand. The Tattoo will be bringing The Heroes Who Made Us show to Oceania in 2026. The dazzling Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo is a major part of the Scottish events calendar. It takes place each in Edinburgh, against the backdrop of the historic Edinburgh Castle, and features a global cast. The upcoming shows will be performed in Brisbane and Auckland in February 2026. They will feature performances by national military forces from Australia and New Zealand, as well as from the UK. In 2025, the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo will mark its 75th Anniversary. The aim of the newly announced shows is to further extend the international reach of the organisation. The Brisbane shows will take place at Suncorp Stadium on February 12 and 14. The Auckland concerts will be held on February 19 and 21 in Eden Park, which is the home of the All Blacks national rugby team. In the Australian shows, the Australian Defence Force will play a key role. The New Zealand Defence Force will do the same at the Auckland concerts. The shows will incorporate elements of this year's Tattoo theme, which is The Heroes Who Made Us. They will showcase individuals who have shaped and supported the iconic performances over the past 75 years. Meanwhile, Top Secret Drum Corps will join the line-up. Also featured will be a variety of performer groups from New Zealand, Australia, the UK and across the globe. The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo has previously travelled to Oceania to delight audiences with performances in Wellington, Sydney, and Melbourne in 2000, 2005, 2010, and 2016. Most recently, a show was held in 2019 at the ANZ Stadium in Sydney. This tour will be the first time the spectacular event has been performed to Brisbane and Auckland audiences. The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo Show has been screened at more than 150 cinemas across Australia and New Zealand in recent years. In 2026, people across the countries will get the chance to once again experience the iconic spectacle in person. In addition to the international shows, the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo will once again return to Edinburgh this August. Tickets for the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo 2025 75th Anniversary show at Edinburgh Castle Esplanade are available on the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo website. Chief Executive of the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo Jason Barrett commented: "We are thrilled to be bringing The Royal Edinburgh Military to Australia and New Zealand once again in 2026. "Throughout the 75-year history, the Tattoo has proudly crossed oceans, continually reaching new audiences and connecting Tattoo fans in the unique Tattoo spirit. "This upcoming tour will blend our Scottish traditions with the distinctive military heritage of Australia and New Zealand all set against the backdrop of two spectacular venues. "We eagerly anticipate hosting new audiences and welcoming back Tattoo fans to witness a truly remarkable spectacle."
Scoop
15-05-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo A Win For Auckland
Press Release – Hospitality New Zealand The announcement that the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo will travel to Auckland in February 2026 is great news for hospitality and accommodation businesses, says Hospitality New Zealand (Hospitality NZ). Eden Park will host a full-scale production of the Tattoo's 75th anniversary Show on 19 and 21 February 2025 – the first time Auckland has hosted the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, and marking the event's return to New Zealand for the first time since 2015. Hospitality NZ Chief Executive Steve Armitage says securing large-scale events like the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo is vital for hospitality and accommodation businesses. 'Securing an event like the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo is not just a coup for Auckland's cultural calendar, but will also have a tangible impact on hospitality.' 'As soon as the lights go up at Eden Park next February, the lights go on right across our sector – every ticket sold is a seat filled in a restaurant, a room booked in a hotel, and another chance for us to showcase the manaakitanga that makes New Zealand hospitality unforgettable.' Eden Park Chief Executive Nick Sautner says, 'We are delighted to host The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo at Eden Park for the first time. As a globally recognised, multi-purpose venue, Eden Park is proud to welcome events of this scale and prestige. This iconic production embodies our vision of delivering the World's Greatest Show, right here in Tāmaki Makaurau – connecting communities and celebrating culture on a world stage.' Says Steve Armitage, 'To ensure we keep bringing events of this calibre to our shores, we need a clear, nationwide events-funding mechanism so councils and organisers have the certainty to bid for and host future world-class events.' About Hospitality NZ: Hospitality New Zealand represents more than 2,500 hospitality and accommodation businesses across Aotearoa, supporting world-class manaakitanga (hospitality). Our members span the food and beverage, accommodation, entertainment, tourism, and hospitality service sectors. We provide our members with the tools, resources, partnerships and knowledge they need to succeed. We advocate to ensure the industry's voice is heard in government, shaping policies for a sustainable future.
