A full-size replica of Edinburgh Castle is to be built in Australia as the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo travels for a rare overseas performance.
About 1,200 pipers, drummers, dancers and musicians will take part in a three-night run of the show in Melbourne's Etihad Stadium next February.
The Tattoo is traditionally staged on the floodlit esplanade of Edinburgh Castle and organisers have decided they will keep the backdrop by building a replica of the world-famous landmark for the Australian shows.
Plans were announced today by Lord Mayor of Melbourne Robert Doyle and Brigadier David Allfrey, chief executive and producer of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo.
The replica of the front of the castle will be shipped to Australia in pieces and it will play a key role in the start of the shows, with performers crossing the drawbridge.
The Tattoo has only travelled abroad three times in 65 years, organisers said.
The last 16 seasons in Edinburgh have sold out and about 220,000 visitors attended the multi-national extravaganza in the Scottish capital last August.
Brigadier Allfrey said: "Australian audiences have always embraced the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo in Edinburgh every August and include one of the largest international supporters of the event.
"But in February 2016 the Tattoo will return to Australia, for performances that will be amongst the most spectacular ever staged.
"In over six and a half decades our unique event has been presented abroad on only three occasions.
"So, we are delighted to be returning this time to Melbourne with a brand new show with the best bands and performers from around the world.
"To play in Melbourne is an extraordinary privilege and we are delighted to be an exciting new addition to the 2016 calendar. This will be an event Melbourne will remember for a lifetime."
Mr Doyle said: "If there is one world event that we do not have currently that I would like to attract, it is the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, and I am pleased to today announce that it is coming to Melbourne."
As well as leading military bands from the UK, the performance in Melbourne will feature bands representing the Australian Defence Forces and other international performers.
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