The 2009 Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo Celebrates 30 Years
July 1st not only brings Canada Day to Halifax but also the kick-off of the 30th Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo. This is a week-long indoor show featuring great music and wonderful shows led off by Pipes and Drums of the Black Watch, the official band of the Tattoo.
The three-hour show begins and ends with a moving rendition of I Vow to Thee My Country, a British song that forms the backdrop to the theme of the Tattoo: June 6, 1944. The audio-visual display showed the sacrifice of the men and women of this country from Ypres in 1915 to Afghanistan. And although Canada’s contribution to the effort to free peoples in bondage was remembered the mood shifted to light-hearted and mesmerizing action as the 2009 event went into full motion.
The Royal Fire Brigade Band from Malmo, Sweden go the audience going with its tribute to ABBA and, not to be understated the Royal Canadian Mounted Police ceremonial troop introduced their new mascot, Sgt. Sam Browne, or “Sgt. Sammy,” amidst a precision drill with lances.
Returning after 10 years was the outstanding Middlesex County Volunteer Fifes and Drums, dressed in American Revolutionary War regalia. They performed Yankee Doodle and Barrett’s Privateers amongst many other impressive songs while marching in crisp precision.
The Copenhagen Police Band is not only a great musical act but amazing comedians. Taking scenes from the silent movie era they make Charlie Chaplin moves while skilfully using an amazing amount of props including, of all things, kayaks. Next, the Hamburg Police Motorcycle Team dazzled the audience with amazing tricks and moves.
The Paris Police were back with their great gymnastics show and local talent was provided by the Dartmouth Titans Gymnastics Club.
And there is much, much more!
The Tattoo runs until July 8th. Tickets are available at Ticket Atlantic.
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