Updated June 25, 2010 by Nora
The Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo 2010
It’s that time of the year again, and I, as well as many others who are fortunate enough to be in Halifax, Nova Scotia this time of year, are looking forward to The Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo.
Starting in 1979, this year marks the 31st year for the event. From July 1st (Canada Day) to July 8th, this fantastic show will be run daily.
The excitement is palpable, especially for those of us who have had the pleasure of attending in years past. The energy and emotion is difficult to explain. Not only is the event a tribute to those in past or present military service, it is a moving remembrance, a celebration, and a positive look forward. One cannot help but feel emotionally charged, as performers come from around the world, their acts brought together masterfully into an amazing and emersive experience. Performances include pipes and drums, military and civilian bands, historic re-enactments, dancers, acrobats, choirs, military displays and competitions, drama, comedy and more (a full listing of performers can be found below).
I strongly encourage anybody to attend this show. With tickets still available, and starting around $25-40 CDN, it is guaranteed to be more memorable, entertaining and moving than any “movie night” could ever offer. For those that cannot attend a showing, on July 1st (Canada’s birthday) there is a parade featuring the entire cast, which travels right through downtown Halifax. The parade offers a sneak peek into what is in store, and is only augmented by the Canada Day celebrations, all set in the heart of this beautiful and historic city.
This is, quite literally, the world’s largest annual indoor show, featuring over 2,000 world-class Canadian and international military and civilian performers. I have provided a bit of the history in this post, highlighting the 2009 show. You can also see a selection of my photographs of the performances and parade in my photography gallery.
Be sure to check back, as I hope to have some great images following the various events.
Performers in the 2010 show include:
Canada
Stadacona Band of Maritime Forces Atlantic
National Band of the Naval Reserve
Land Force Atlantic Area Band
Band of The Ceremonial Guard
Massed Pipes & Drums
Kimberley, BC Pipes and Drums
Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo/Black Watch Association Pipes and Drums
Tri-Service Cadet Pipes and Drums
Army Pipes & Drums
Air Force Pipes & Drums
Navy Display Teams
Obstacle Race Teams
Kootenay Race Teams
Tri-Service Guard
RCMP National Ceremonial Troop
Ashelin
Tattoo Choirs
Tattoo Dancers
La Baie En Joie
Titans Gymnastics Club
Tattoo Extras
Brenna Conrad
Jason Davis
Derrick Paul Miller
Liz Rigney
Belgium
The Royal Band of the Belgian Navy
Estonia
Club Piruett
France
Paris Fire Brigade
Germany
Marinemusikkorps Ostsee
The Drill Team of the 6th Company from the Honorguard of the Department of Defence
The Flying Grandpas
The Netherlands
The Juliana Bicycle Team
United Kingdom
The Queen’s Colour Squadron of the Royal Air Force ceremonial drill unit
UK Fanfares
United States
Band of America’s Few