It's sold out for the last 10 years, and we thought the box office had closed in January.  But the Edinburgh Military Tattoo has sprung a pleasant surprise on its website, quietly releasing a raft of new tickets for its three-week August run.  At this time of year, it's a rare opportunity to get a seat at this ever-popular show - which usually fills its grandstands within weeks of sales opening in December.

Televised across the world, the Military Tattoo is by far the best-known single show of any of the Edinburgh Festivals.  A complete sell-out for the last ten years, the annual outdoor spectacle hosts a breathtaking programme drawn from across the Commonwealth - and it all happens in the spine-tingling surroundings of Edinburgh Castle's esplanade.

Like most people, we've been assuming the Tattoo was sold out long ago.  And to be honest, we don't know where the new tickets have some from: perhaps they're returns, or maybe the Tattoo's listened to its critics and held back a few seats for nearer the time.  In any case, they won't be around for long - so book quickly if you want to be there this year.

There are three easy steps to choosing your perfect seats.

• Read our advice on Tattoo dates and seating, which we first published when booking opened back in December.
• Check the availability chart on the Tattoo's website to find the date and price band you want to go for.
• Finally, book online for immediate confirmation of your chosen seats.

Best of luck getting the tickets you want - and, remember, book soon.

If you're in Edinburgh on Thursday 31 July, you might prefer to try for the Tattoo's preview performance, when all seats will be half-price.  Tickets will go on some on Monday 21 July.  We can email you a reminder - just sign up to Ticket Alerts to your Inbox.