Rugby School music teacher, Richard Jasper, has taken the stage at The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo marking his third consecutive year performing on the bagpipes on the iconic Esplanade of Edinburgh Castle. Richard’s involvement in the Tattoo, held between 2 - 24 August, is the fulfillment of a lifelong dream that began when he watched the event as a child.

Richard plays with a group of 70 pipers and drummers, and is part of a wider ensemble of 150 pipers performing in 12 rows. His group has the honour of both starting and finishing the show, as well as performing a special segment with the Highland dancers. With 27 performances scheduled over three weeks, Richard and his fellow performers rehearse each day at the top of the Castle before the crowds of 9,000 people fill the stands each evening. The event will be broadcast on TV over the August bank holiday, offering the Rugbeian community a chance to spot Mr. Jasper in action. 

This year’s show, themed 'Journeys', celebrates the connection between music, dance, culture, and military traditions. The event merges traditional military elements with modern touches, featuring creative projections, innovative technology, and a diverse range of music. The Castle Esplanade is filled with over 800 international performers, including military bands, dancers, and visual artists from countries such as the USA, India, Switzerland, Australia, and Canada. College students from as far as Australia have travelled long distances to perform whilst continuing their studies, alongside international acts such as the Citadel Regimental Band and Pipes from the United States and the Indian Rajasthani Bagpipers. The show culminates in a breathtaking display of light, fire, and precision drills, accompanied by the electrifying sounds of Electro Pipes. Richard's favorite part of the performance is watching the drummers march over the drawbridge - an intimate and powerful moment for the audience against the stunning backdrop of Edinburgh Castle.

Back at Rugby School, Richard is working hard to inspire the next generation of musicians. The school’s Combined Cadet Force (CCF) boasts eight bagpipers and ten drummers, and Richard has been instrumental in bringing together bands from Rugby, Stowe, Kingham Hill, The Dragon, and Oundle for joint performances.

The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo celebrates its 75th year next year. Richard Jasper’s hopes to inspire the next generation with his passion for music and dedication to the traditions that inspire it.