The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo has once again returned to the city with an explosive performance from the castle esplanade.

The Tattoo, now in its 66th year, got under way last night for its first audience preview with a spectacular mix of dancers, drumming and no shortage of bagpipes.

A world famous event, which hosts more than 220,000 spectators during its run, the Tattoo is watched by an estimated 100 million people on television each year.

Performers from almost 50 countries have taken part in the show and this year is no different, with the King's Guard of Norway a firm audience favourite, along with the acclaimed New Zealand Army Band.

The emphasis is once again on music, movement and pageantry, supported by cutting edge technology, lighting sound and projections.

The show charts the rich history of military music, both on the battlefield and in peacetime, from the earliest times to the present day.

It also marks the Queen's 90th birthday and the centenary of the Battle of Jutland, the biggest sea battle of the First World War.

Brigadier David Allfrey, the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo's chief executive and producer, said: "We are particularly proud to add our celebration to Her Majesty the Queen's special year while marking other important anniversaries: Jutland and the Great Arab Revolt.

"Above all though, the music is the star. This year we have developed a fabulous score bursting with incredible tunes."

Key moments include a magical snowfall scene across the castle esplanade as Mount Everest is revealed on the castle battlements, while the Nepal Army Band celebrate their homeland.

The Jordanian Royal Guard, Band and Drill Team also join this year's cast to mark 100 years since the Great Arab Revolt and tell the story of one of history's most famous battles.

The Imps from London's Docklands provide a thrilling motorcycle display performed at breath-taking speed.

Watch out for the smallest ones though, they're just as fast as the older members of the team but they've got a cheeky side - front row audience members be warned.

The Tattoo has sold out for the last 17 years and the latest edition, which celebrates Tunes of Glory is expected to be just as successful.

Ticket sales are already high, at around 96% sold at present.

The Tattoo was first performed in 1950 and is estimated to generate £77m a year for the Scottish economy.

Some of the finest Highland dancers in the world also come together in beautiful formations during the night.

The New Zealand Army Band also accompany the all-girl Lochiel Marching Drill Team, a firm crowd favourite.

The 100-minute programme includes the famous massed pipes and drums, the massed military bands and a lone piper playing high on the Castle battlements above the parade ground.

Among the many bands taking part will be the Band of The Household Cavalry, the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards, the Royal Regiment of Scotland and the Royal Irish Regiment.

Shetland's fiddle players, Hjaltibonhoga, also bring their special magic to the show accompanied by a vibrant display of the island's intricate textile patterns on the castle walls.

The RAF will also open the show in style this year with impressive flypasts on selected evenings including a planned flypast by the world famous Red Arrows on August 6, 10, 17, 19 and 24.

Altogether, the Tattoo hosts more than 1,200 performers, 250 pipers and drummers, five British military bands and a £250,000 projection and light show from the team behind Danny Boyle's 2012 Olympic Games opening ceremony.

Donald Wilson, Edinburgh's lord provost and Tattoo chairman, said: "This year's spectacle will travel through time back to the Great Arab Revolt, across seasons with a magical Mount Everest snowfall, and through space with a Star Wars motorcycle display.

"I ca n't wait for Scotland and the world to enjoy what the Tattoo has in store this year."

Watch Edinburgh Festival 2016 weekdays from 5pm on STV Glasgow and STV Edinburgh, Freeview 8, Sky 117 and Virgin 159. Or catch-up with the STV Player.