The 1,200-strong cast and crew of the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo are gearing up for this year’s music and light spectacular.

A nightly audience of 8,800 will watch performers from countries including Mexico, Oman and Malawi.

The cast came together on Wednesday at Redford Barracks in Edinburgh to perform their first full public run through of the 2018 show.

The musicians and other performers arrived in the city on Sunday, with four days to put together their individual acts into one performance.

Organisers said: “Audiences can expect to be captivated by a colourful cultural showcase and thrilling display of music, dance, military performance and technology, all against the backdrop of Edinburgh Castle.”

Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo rehearsal
The Top Secret Drum Corps from Switzerland (Andrew Milligan/PA)

International performers this year include the Royal Cavalry of the Sultanate of Oman’s Pipers on horseback and its all-female marching band.

The Banda Monumental de Mexico will meanwhile bring a carnival atmosphere through Mariachi music and dance.

Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo rehearsal
The Combined Bands of the Royal Cavalry of the Sultanate of Oman (Andrew Milligan/PA)

First-time performers The Edinburgh Girls’ High School from Malawi will join girls from the Mary Erskine School choir to sing a rendition of Amazing Grace as part of the Tattoo finale.

The theme of the show from August 3-25 is The Sky’s the Limit and will celebrate the centenary of the RAF.