Information: About the Tattoo

The Windsor Castle Royal Tattoo is now in its fourth year. It is a tri-service event supported by the MOD.

Visitors can expect to enjoy a fantastic night out. The event takes place in the private grounds of Windsor Castle and those sitting in the East Grandstand have fine views of the lit up castle at night towering over the arena.

The Royal Windsor Horse Show takes place in the same showgrounds during the day and Tattoo ticket holders get free entry to the horse show during the day.

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Performance Dates and Times

The Tattoo takes place from Thursday 12th May to Sunday 15th May in the private grounds of Windsor Castle. Performances start at 8.30pm and generally last 2 _ hours. Sunday night may be a little longer as it includes the Fireworks Finale.

Visitors are encouraged to come to the event early and enjoy the facilities in the showground (shops, bars, restaurants, a military action zone, a fun fair and much more).

Programme

The programme for this year’s Tattoo is yet to be finalised, however a broad outline of the programme content is provided below. The event will include traditional military music from massed bands and pipes and drums. In previous years these have comprised of bands from over 14 different regiments. Equestrian displays will be provided by The King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery and The Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment.

Windsor’s own Field Gun competition – The Royal Navy Field Gun Race supported by Land Rover contests The Land Rover Trophy.

The International Display – each year an international display is brought to the UK specifically to appear at The Windsor Castle Royal Tattoo. In 2010 this was His Majesty The King’s Guards Band and Drill Team from Norway. The 2011 display is to be announced.

Current Day Operations – members of today’s armed forces will demonstrate their capabilities in this special re-enactment of a modern day military operation.

Pre-Show Entertainment

There is much to do in the showgrounds before the Tattoo itself. There are over 200 shops to visit, the military zone where you can test your skills on the paintball range, the assault course, and the laser clay pigeon shooting. There are simulators, a craft tent, the Food Hall, Cookery Demonstrations, The Land Rover 4 x 4 course and finally a funfair.

Venue

The Windsor Castle Royal Tattoo takes place in the private grounds of Windsor Castle. This is the only time in the year that the grounds are open to the general public. In the past three years a member of the Royal Family has attended the Tattoo at each performance.