WATCH: Rehearsals are well underway for the royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo. Organizers call it the world’s largest annual indoor show, and it has been drawing crowds from around the region since 1979. Global’s Ray Bradshaw has a closer look at this year’s tattoo.
HALIFAX – Rehearsals are well underway for the Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo, which begins its annual eight day run at the Scotiabank Centre in Halifax next week.
Organizers call it the world’s largest annual indoor show and it has been drawing crowds from around the region since it began in 1979.
The Tattoo is famous for its great band music, among other things. One of the first time performers is the Royal Army of Oman Pipe and Drums Band, who were invited ten years ago, but couldn’t attend. They didn’t get another invitation until now.
“Luckily this year we were able to attend,” said John Bruce, who teaches bagpipes with the band. “The boys have been really enjoying themselves. They’ve enjoyed the rehearsal schedule so far, although it’s been very hectic.”
This is the 37th consecutive year for the Tattoo in Halifax, but it’s constantly changing.
“It’s never the same,” said Jim Forde, producer of the show. “The music is always different, the bands largely are different, the acts are different. This year’s show is filled with pomp, pageantry, stirring music, dance, comedy, gymnastics, and motorcycles.”
Some performers come back each year, like Club Piruett of Estonia. This will be their tenth year in a row at the Tattoo.
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“The reason they come back is because you ask us to ask them to come back,” said Sirje Weldon of the club. “They have a tremendous experience behind them. They’re really world performers.”
The German Bicycle Team has performed at the Tattoo before, but they had three newcomers performing for the media at a private showing on Friday. And talk about balance and skill, it’s almost unbelievable.
Andreas Pfliegl, a performer, said he is thrilled to be in Halifax and is sure to entice the audience.
“It’s a great honour to be here because we are a little group and I think it’s beautiful to be part of this show,” said Pfliegl
The King’s Guard Band and Drill Team from Norway is another of the outstanding groups performing. They played and sang ‘Fare thee well to Nova Scotia’ as they exited the Scotiabank Centre.
The performers will also hold a parade in downtown Halifax on Canada Day.
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