Set against the unique backdrop of Edinburgh Castle, the 60th Edinburgh Military Tattoo features a wide range of talented performers from China, Tonga, Australia, South Africa, New Zealand, Switzerland and Canada, as well as a very strong representation from the United Kingdom.The 250th anniversary of Robert Burns's birth and Scotland's Year of Homecoming provide a thread that runs through yet another outstanding variety of high-class acts and performances that fill the castle esplanade with a truly memorable visual celebration of music and dance.This year's highlights include the unique and unforgettable Massed Pipes and Drums, from home and overseas, filling the castle esplanade with their stirring sight and sounds; a melodious display of South Sea Islands magic from the Royal Corps of Musicians from Tonga; and Classical Brit-winning form from the Pipes and Drums of Royal Scots Dragoon Guards, along with the Band of the Royal Regiment of Scotland.The Central Band of the Swiss Army perform for their first time at the Tattoo with a captivating display of music and drill, including a few surprises with an alpine horn, yodelling and illuminated drum sticks.The lead service is represented by The Bands of the Royal Air Force, encompassing the Central Band of the Royal Air Force, the Band of the Royal Air Force Regiment, the Band of the Royal Air Force College and the Royal Air Force Salon Orchestra, who parade with a repertoire which mixes music and sound effects to delight the audience, both on the ground and in the air.