Dennis the Menace and Minnie the Minx will be joining pipe bands and dancers from around the world at this year’s Edinburgh Military Tattoo.
The mischief-makers are part of the programme celebrating the Year of Creative Scotland by highlighting some of the country’s achievements. Tweed, whisky and Pictish warriors also feature in this year’s show on the esplanade of Edinburgh Castle.
A performance inspired by the Disney/Pixar film Brave will be performed by the bands of Her Majesty’s Royal Marines Scotland, The Queen’s Division, The King’s Division and The Royal Air Force.
The Queen’s diamond jubilee is also being marked with a re-enactment of her 1953 coronation as the finale of the show. It will feature Diamonds Are Forever and a rendition of Auld Land Syne.
Producer Brigadier David Allfrey said Dennis the Menace and Minnie the Minx would be performing BMX stunts throughout the show.
He said: "These celebrated characters are a universal element in our national mix. We have grown up with comics and some of us even enjoy them into adulthood. Everyone relishes the prospect of a little menace. While the Tattoo seeks to entertain and inspire it is always good to not take ourselves too seriously.
"This year has seen so many extraordinary celebrations: Her Majesty the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and the Olympics both to set the scale. These are all about joy and we all love a celebration.
"We are privileged and fortunate to have lived in the time of Queen Elizabeth II. When we chart the seismic changes in our society and in the world over her reign, we cannot help but reflect on Her Majesty’s relentless sense of duty, wisdom and balance in the round over an extraordinary 60 years.
"In our production we have tried to play our part in the celebrations by focusing on the special sparkle in diamonds. The idea that a shiny pebble can be plucked from the volcanic dust - unchanged for centuries - and be transformed by skill, knowledge and industry into a precious gem: a jewel fit for a Queen.
"Diamonds are forever and I would encourage everyone to dust off their tiaras, their bracelets and their earrings and bring out a bit of bling. Edinburgh at festival time is a springboard into a splendid Scottish summer for our visitors. Let us all show them a good time."
The Edinburgh Military Tattoo runs from August 3 - 25 on the castle esplanade.
