What’s happening?
The pipes and drums of the Australian Defence Force came together in November 2025 to refine their performance ahead of the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo’s first-ever Brisbane season.
The Brisbane shows will run from February 12 to 15 at Suncorp Stadium and form part of the Tattoo’s 75th Anniversary Tour, titled The Heroes Who Made Us.
Highly trained ADF musicians will perform in a show rich in military tradition and national pride, while also providing ceremonial support for the anniversary program.
Why it matters
The Brisbane season marks a major milestone, bringing one of the world’s most recognised military performances to Australia for the first time.
The Tattoo highlights the role of armed forces in society and showcases the skill of military musicians from around the world, while strengthening ties between participating nations.
Local impact
Brisbane audiences will experience a large-scale international production featuring Scottish bagpipes, massed military bands, dancers and performers from the United Kingdom, Europe, the United States, Australia, New Zealand and beyond.
The event places Brisbane at the centre of the Tattoo’s anniversary celebrations, drawing international attention to the city.
By the numbers
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More than 240 ADF personnel will take part in the Brisbane Tattoo, reflecting the scale of Australia’s contribution to the anniversary tour.
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A smaller ADF contingent will also perform at the New Zealand Tattoo on February 19 and 21.
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The Tattoo brings together over 1,000 performers from across the world, led by massed pipes and drums from United Kingdom military regiments.
Zoom in
ADF pipes and drums will perform wearing the Australian Defence Force Academy tartan.
Australia’s Federation Guard and the combined military bands of the ADF will also feature prominently, delivering precision drill and a contemporary music repertoire.
Air Marshal (retd) Mel Hupfeld said the November gathering in Melbourne was an important step in preparation.
“It is our first gathering of all the pipes and drums players from across the ADF,” Air Marshal (retd) Hupfeld said.
“We have come together to learn the tunes, play together as a band and get to know each other.”
Zoom out
The Tattoo promotes international cooperation through shared military ceremony and performance.
Participation allows Australia to highlight its long-standing relationships with nations involved in the production.
What to look for next?
Following the Brisbane performances from February 12 to 15, ADF musicians will continue their involvement at the New Zealand Tattoo on February 19 and 21 as part of the 75th Anniversary Tour.
