Each year the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo attracts thousands of viewers to the spectacular performances from both local and international talent.
Over a week of rehearsals ahead of twenty-five shows, 800 performers practice at Redford Barracks, Edinburgh. During this rehearsal week, SASRA sets up a café just across from the parade square. The team of Scripture Readers enjoy mingling among the performers, with the room buzzing as people flood in to grab a hot drink before returning to rehearse.
Swiss Army Band performers enjoy a break from rehearsals in the SASRA cafe. © SASRA
ASR Mike Blackstock talking to performers from the RAF. © SASRA
As always, the Pipes and Drums are supported by the Tattoo Dancers and Fiddlers, who are a vital part of the show. This year, the Pipes and Drums were joined by their Australian counterparts, the Scots College Sydney Pipes and Drums and the Scots School Albury Pipe Band Drums. Offering a listening ear and welcoming any questions, Scripture Readers chatted to both national and international performers, including the Swiss Armed Forces Central Band, the US Air Force Band (who perform for the first time at the Tattoo this year), His Majesty The King’s Guard Band and Drill Team of Norway and the Defence Force Steel Orchestra from Trinidad and Tobago.
Hundreds of cups of tea and coffee were given, countless sweet snacks eaten, numerous Bibles and literature taken. Once the ice was broken (the hot drinks and sweets helped!) questions were asked such as, ‘What is a Scripture Reader?’ and ‘What do you do?’ Some of the performers remembered us from the previous year.
Towards the end of the week, a rapport had been built between SASRA and the performers. We look forward to serving the performers again next year and building on the relationships forged this week.
Pray with us
- Thank you for praying for the SASRA outreach at the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo. Give thanks for safe travels to and from the event and for the openness of so many to receive Bibles and to talk about Jesus.
- Since the rehearsal week, praise God that ASR Paul Curd has been placed on the pastoral rota at Edinburgh Castle, where he continues to draw alongside the participants. Pray on for opportunities to share the gospel and ask that God would water and grow the seeds scattered.
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