Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo Archives

Brisbane Boys’ College to Join Global Line-Up at Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo Brisbane 2026

Brisbane Boys’ College’s Pipe Band will represent Australia on one of the world’s most celebrated stages next year, as the Toowong school becomes the only school in Australia and New Zealand invited to perform at The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo AUNZ 2026.

Read: Brisbane Boys College Pipers Expected to Feature in Prestigious Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo

The announcement was made at the school’s Toowong campus by Alan Lane, Creative Director of the Tattoo, who travelled from Scotland to share the news. BBC will perform alongside more than 30 bands and cultural groups from over 12 countries in The Heroes Who Made Us, a large-scale production set to fill Suncorp Stadium from 12–15 February 2026.

Among the confirmed acts are the Combined Military Bands of the Australian Defence Force, Queensland Police Pipe Band, Australia’s Federation Guard, His Majesty the King of Norway’s Guard Band and Drill Team, and the Japan Air Self-Defense Force Central Band. Lane said the line-up brings together excellence in music, pageantry, and performance.

“The Tattoo has always been about celebrating culture, connection and spectacle, and to be able to share that spirit with Australian audiences is a real delight,” said Lane.

A Proud Moment for BBC

For Brisbane Boys’ College, the announcement builds on its established tradition of piping and drumming. The school’s pipe band has a proud record of public performances and competition success.

The news was celebrated on campus by Pipe Major Nicholas Shelburn, an 18-year-old Year 12 student who began learning the bagpipes in Year 3 and has already played twice at the Tattoo with BBC. His role as Pipe Major reflects the dedication of BBC’s current generation of young musicians.

The band is preparing to represent the college and Brisbane community when it performs in February 2026.

The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo: Tradition Meets Spectacle

The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo Preview (Photo supplied)

First held in 1950, The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo is an internationally renowned event that blends music, military precision, and cultural display. Staged annually on the Esplanade of Edinburgh Castle, it draws nearly 230,000 live spectators each year and a global television audience exceeding 100 million.

In 2010, the event received the “Royal” title from Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, recognising six decades of performance excellence. Over the decades, more than 50 countries have participated, making the Tattoo a truly global celebration of camaraderie through performance.

Read: Karting Star from Brisbane Boys’ College Makes National Mark

The Brisbane edition in 2026 will celebrate the Tattoo’s 75th anniversary, following its record-breaking season in Edinburgh in August 2025, which drew over 220,000 attendees. The local production is expected to feature more than 1,100 performers, including international acts such as Scotland’s Top Secret Drum Corps and Japanese, Norwegian, Tongan, and New Zealand contingents.

Published 9-October-2025

Brisbane Boys College Pipers Expected to Feature in Prestigious Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo

Photo Credit: Brisbane Boys College Pipe Band/ Facebook

The renowned Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, a spectacular showcase of military and cultural performances, will exclusively grace Brisbane in 2026 as part of its 75th-anniversary celebrations. Pipers from Toowong’s Brisbane Boys’ College, who have a strong history with the event, are expected to be among the performers.

Brisbane Set to Host Milestone Tattoo Event

For the first time since 2019, the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo is coming to Australia, choosing Brisbane as the sole location for its 75th-anniversary shows. This significant event, traditionally staged against the dramatic backdrop of Edinburgh Castle, has evolved into a global stadium production featuring over 1,000 performers from more than 50 countries.

Two shows, ‘The Heroes Who Made Us,’ are scheduled at Brisbane’s Lang Park on February 12 and 14, 2026. Organisers anticipate a worldwide audience exceeding 100 million viewers.

Queensland Capital Chosen for Special Anniversary

*Photo Credit:* *Brisbane Boys College Pipe Band/ Facebook*

Event chief executive Jason Barrett described bringing the Tattoo to Brisbane for this milestone anniversary as a pivotal moment in the event’s history. He emphasised that it celebrates the human spirit, shared identity, and the individuals who shape communities.

Queensland Premier David Crisafulli stated his ambition for Queensland to become the events capital, noting that the state’s commitment to hosting the Olympic and Paralympic Games contributed to this opportunity. Mr Barrett added that the 2032 Games played a role in their decision, as it was evident that Queensland and Brisbane are on an upward trajectory. He also mentioned adding more shows if ticket demand warrants it.

Economic and Cultural Boost for Queensland

Queensland Tourism Minister Andrew Powell said the state had actively pursued hosting the event, anticipating substantial economic and reputational benefits. He projected that this significant event could attract national and international visitors, potentially generating up to $39 million for Queensland’s economy and enhancing Brisbane’s global reputation as a vibrant city.

Local Piping Talent Expected to Participate

Brisbane Boys’ College in Toowong has a long-standing tradition of maintaining a pipe band. Their pipers have previously performed at the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo in 2018 (Edinburgh) and 2019 (Sydney). Given this history and the emphasis on Australian performers for the Brisbane shows, their involvement in the 2026 event is considered highly probable.

Pipe Major Alisdair McLaren, who has directed previous Tattoo appearances since 2017, has also trained Brisbane Boys’ College pipers for past events. He started playing bagpipes at 13 and has become a prominent Pipe Major.

Mr McLaren has tutored pipers for the Tattoo, including representatives from Brisbane Boys College in 2022. He also travelled to Brisbane annually for the Australasian Piping Solo Competition.

Tickets for the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo in Brisbane will go on sale on 21 May.

Published Date 14-May-2025

Brisbane Boys’ College Pipe Band Makes a Strong Showing at Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo

Photo Credit: edintattoo.co.uk

Highlighting their consistent excellence in performance, Brisbane Boys’ College Pipe Bands achieved top placements in their respective categories at the prestigious Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, marking another successful year at the celebrated event.

The 74th annual event, themed “Journeys,” featured a spectacular array of international performers that included military bands, dancers, and specialised acts from around the globe. The Brisbane Boys’ College Pipe Band shared the stage with established groups such as the Massed Bands of His Majesty’s Royal Marines and the United States Navy Ceremonial Guard.

This year’s Tattoo, running from August 2-24, is a vibrant celebration of cultural connections through music, dance, and military traditions.

Brisbane Boys’ College Pipe Band

Formed in 1940, the BBC Pipe Band is a core component of the college’s heritage. Through dedicated facilities and expert tutoring, the band not only enhances the cultural life of the college but also competes with distinction on the world stage. The band’s consistent commitment to excellence is demonstrated through their regular performances and accolades at both national and international levels.

Photo Credit: Facebook / Brisbane Boys’ College (BBC)

The BBC Pipe Band’s regular appearances at the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo are a highlight of their annual calendar, not a one-time occurrence. Their history of participation is decorated with notable successes, including a prestigious third-place finish at the World Championships, affirming their elite status in the global piping community.

Prior to their debut performance, the Brisbane Boys’ College shared a glimpse of the students’ Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo experience via social media. A group photograph captured the excitement of the young musicians as they got their first look at the impressive setup, complete with lighting, sound equipment, and temporary seating for 9,000 spectators.

One student, Morgan Duckett from Year 12, was particularly enthusiastic. Having watched the Tattoo since childhood, Duckett expressed awe at finally participating in the event he had long admired.

Balancing their rigorous performance schedule with academic responsibilities, the BBC students exemplify dedication. This commitment was evident when Year 12 students undertook their senior math exams during the Tattoo. This blend of academic and musical commitment ensures that students do not miss out on their education during their international tours.

This year, BBC’s commitment to excellence was on full display as they fielded two bands at the Tattoo. According to a recent Facebook update, the Number 1 band achieved third place in the Novice Juvenile A Grade, while the Number 2 band ranked in the top 10 in the Novice Juvenile B category. These results further illustrate the band’s high level of preparation and skill.

For BBC’s delegates, participation in the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo is more than just a performance; it’s a vital cultural exchange and educational journey. The exposure gained from performing in front of an estimated 230,000 live attendees and over 100 million television viewers globally enriches the students’ experience and broadens their worldview.

Each year, the Brisbane Boys’ College Pipe Band reaffirms its heritage of excellence at the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo. These international experiences not only showcase their musical talents but also enhance their educational journeys, benefiting the entire college community.

Visit the BBC Pipe Band’s official Facebook page for more insights into their performances and achievements at this year’s Tattoo.

Published 3-August-2024