The state-of-the-art, nearly 9,000-seat venue is set to host its inaugural concert with a performance by the iconic band Madness on Friday 5 July. Following this, the stadium will welcome headline acts including JLS, Manic Street Preachers, and Paul Weller, leading up to the much-anticipated Tattoo event which will take place from 2-24 August.

The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo celebrates military tradition, Scottish heritage, and international culture through spectacular performances featuring world-class lighting projections and cutting-edge sound technology. The event attracts audiences from around the globe, including royalty and high-ranking international military officers.

Barry O’Hagan, regional director for Scotland at Tilbury Douglas, said: “We are delighted to continue our partnership with The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, ensuring that this iconic event has a world-class venue. Our team has worked tirelessly to deliver this project on time for the 10th consecutive year.”

Phil Shaw, managing director for Building North at Tilbury Douglas, added: “This project showcases our commitment to excellence and our ability to execute complex builds on schedule, even in challenging environments.”

The construction of the arena involved the use of 760 tonnes of steel, 35 miles of cable, and over 1,600 crane lifts. The project was carried out on the bustling Edinburgh Castle Esplanade, a location that sees thousands of tourists annually, underscoring the logistical expertise and precision of the Tilbury Douglas team.

Jason Barrett, chief executive of the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo added: “Thanks to Tilbury Douglas our world-renowned Edinburgh Castle Arena is now all set to welcome thousands of spectators from across the globe over the next two months.

“There’s nowhere more iconic for an outdoor show, and we’re proud to deliver our successful events year-on-year right here in Edinburgh.”