Musicians, singers, dancers, percussionists and acrobats from all over the world will gather next week at the Ross Theatre in Edinburgh's Princes Street Gardens for The Royal Bank of Scotland's ‘Taste of the Tattoo'.

This year's ever-popular free show is set to take place on Thursday August 14th at 12.30pm, showcasing 300-performers from America, Asia, Australia, New Zealand, Europe and the United Kingdom.

Thursday's complimentary one-hour show will feature the showbiz razzmatazz of the Golden Eagles Marching Band from South East Missouri, the immaculate style and crisp precision of The Guard of His Majesty The King of Norway, the acclaimed Band of The Royal Regiment of Scotland, and the talents of 50-young Canadian Highland Dancers with a contemporary dance display. The action is set to include ten top Tattoo acts which will also present the skills of the Lochiel Champion Marching Drill Team from Wellington in New Zealand, 40 musicians from The Indian Army Chief's Military Band, and 60 representatives from the awesome Massed Pipes & Drums. Plus, a Singaporean ensemble consisting of a detachment of Gurkha Pipes & Drums together with a 55-strong Police Military Band, an all-women Police Pipe Band, and an animated act reflecting aspects of Singapore's social and cultural roots, will complete the lunchtime line-up.

Building on the success of a series of RBS-sponsored Tattoo performances sees this innovative initiative continue to provide all those who have been unable to obtain a ticket for the sold-out Castle Esplanade military showpiece with an impression of the much-admired event.

Tattoo Chief Executive & Producer, Major General Euan Loudon, said: "I've set my sights on providing spectators with one of Edinburgh's best free shows for which we must thank the generosity of our main sponsor Royal Bank of Scotland."

Sir Tom McKillop, Chairman of RBS, hosts of next Thursday's free lunchtime event, said: "This is a wonderful opportunity for visitors to sample the spectacle of the Tattoo. These mini events have gone from strength to strength and are now a regular fixture on the calendar. RBS is a proud sponsor of the 59th Tattoo and we are delighted to offer the performance to a wider audience."

Venue: Ross Theatre, West Princes' Street Gardens, Edinburgh

Date: Thursday, 14th August 2008

Time: 12.30pm - 1.30pm