The deserts of Arabia and the snow-covered peaks of Everest will be brought to life in Edinburgh as part of this year's Royal Military Tattoo.

A Star Wars motorcycle display will also take centre stage during this year's event at Edinburgh Castle.

The centenary of the Great Arab Revolt, the British-backed uprising against the German-allied Ottoman Turks memorably depicted in the movie Lawrence Of Arabia will be marked, with the Jordanian Royal Guard, Band and Drill Team to perform.

Meanwhile, the Nepal Army Band will celebrate their homeland and links with the UK with a snow-covered recreation of Mount Everest.

The Tattoo, now in its 66th year, will also mark the Queen's 90th birthday and the centenary of the Battle of Jutland, the biggest sea battle of the First World War.

It will host more than 220,000 spectators, 1200 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.

There will also be a number of RAF flypasts at selected performances.

Brigadier David Allfrey, 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.

"Last year, we were described as 'one of the greatest shows on earth'. This is a huge and uncommon accolade and we have been rewarded with tickets selling at a ferocious pace; faster than at any time since I have been the producer."

Edinburgh's lord provost and Tattoo chairman Donald Wilson 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 can't wait for Scotland and the world to enjoy what the Tattoo has in store this year."

The daily spectacle - which is also beamed around the world - runs from Friday until August 27, and 2016 is expected to be the event's 18th consecutive sell-out year.