PRESS RELEASES

THE TATTOO'S GOLDEN GLORY FOR QUEEN'S JUBILEE
Posted 24th July 2002

The Edinburgh Military Tattoo is quite simply one of the greatest shows on earth. Mixing musical skills with visual thrills, it is a glittering spectacle which has drawn millions of people from all over the world.

And this year's 53rd show (2-24 August) promises to be more magical than ever. Already, ticket sales are expected to hit record heights as 217,000 people prepare to stream up to the Castle during the three-week extravaganza.

This summer's Jubilee themed event is set to be one of the most impressive ever staged - a celebration of Her Majesty The Queen's Golden Jubilee, which the Sovereign will attend on August 5th.

Tattoo Chief Executive & Producer said: "It is indeed a great honour that The Queen is attending the Tattoo at the close of her busy UK Jubilee programme. We certainly hope this will be a memorable evening for Her Majesty and all those who attend the Tattoo from across the globe."

With over 1,200 performers, 30 horses, 25 musicians performing on bicycles, and one or two other surprises, the show is set to present a wealth of talent from around the world.

One guaranteed crowd-pleaser will be the amazing Pung Cholom, Dhol Cholom and Thang-Ta Dancers - complete with sword, spear, energetic drumming and aerial leaps - performing to the pulsating roar of the drums.

Commented the Producer: "I am delighted to welcome the first Indian cultural group to appear at the Tattoo. Their ancient martial arts tradition from Manipur in the north east of the country is something to behold."

Indeed, the Tattoo's organisers have scoured the globe to gather a cosmopolitan cast of top-class Commonwealth performers.

They come from all over: Africa, America, Asia, Australasia and Canada, and share the stage with all the Scottish Regiments represented this year for the first time in decades.

Making their first visit to the Scottish Capital are the impressive Trompetterkorps Bereden Wapens who will provide a unique musical sequence on bicycles. They are joined by other Tattoo first-timers, the United States Marine Corps Albany Band, sealing the special relationship between the US and the UK, with a dynamic display of music and movement.

And as a contrast to the razzamatazz, in a demonstration of all the pomp and ceremony for which Britain is famed are the Tri-Service Bands of the Army, the Navy and the Air Force who will show off their skills with a precision display. Their repertoire will include tunes such as 'Britannic Salute' and 'Garb of Old Gaul'.

This year's show opens with a 'Jubilee Fanfare' - composed and directed by Lt Col Chris Davis, Principal Director of Music, Royal Marines and 2002 Tattoo Director of Music.

It is followed by a perennial highlight for Tattoo visitors - the traditional march across Edinburgh Castle drawbridge by the Massed Pipes & Drums.

And it promises to be stirring stuff with thirteen different Regimental and Commonwealth bands, comprising 260 pipers & drummers, turning on the style with a wonderfully colourful display.

Brigadier Jameson said: "The finest Massed Pipes & Drums anyone will witness anywhere in the world. We will present wall to wall Pipes & Drums, the very essence and still the main pillar of the Tattoo."

Each evening over 100 dancers from Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Scotland and South Africa will present a show of lively highland dancing.

Also in attendance this year will be the Bands from 'Down Under' with a combined programme of musical and cultural entertainment from the southern hemisphere. They comprise the Bands of the 10th / 27th Royal South Australia Regiment and Tonga's Royal Corps of Musicians, together with the New Zealand Army Band.

By gracious permission of Her Majesty The Queen, the Scottish State Coach, which is used on state occasions in Scotland and regarded as one of the most elegant in the Royal Collection, will also be on parade as part of the Jubilee celebrations.

Attending the State Coach will be mounted detachments from The Household Cavalry, The Royal Scots Dragoon Guards, President of India's Bodyguard and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and Lord Strathcona's Horse from Canada.

The Grand Finale, which pays tribute to The Queen and boasts a performance by acclaimed New Zealand opera singer, Joanna Heslop, features 600 musicians as they combine to create the renowned Tattoo sound.

Remarked the Producer: "I hope this produces an emotional and patriotic climax to the proceedings and provides a fitting close to the Jubilee celebrations."

But bringing the show to a poignant close will be the traditional haunting notes of the Lone Piper playing a special favourite of the late Queen Mother, 'Skye Boat Song', and this year the son of the first lone piper - Major Gavin Stoddart, Director of Army Bagpipe Music - will, more than half a century on, follow his father George into the spotlight at the close of his 30-year military career.

The evening then draws to an emotional close as the audience join hands for a rousing rendition of 'Auld Lang Syne'.

The Tattoo's Chief Executive said: "I want to thank all those who made this year's production possible and in particular, The Royal Bank of Scotland and our talented cast."

Edinburgh Military Tattoo is grateful to The Royal Bank of Scotland for its generous support. Sir George Mathewson, Chairman of The Royal Bank of Scotland Group said, "We are delighted to be associated with the Edinburgh Military Tattoo, which this year will be a spectacular celebration of the Queen's Golden Jubilee. It is truly an international event drawing a viewing audience of 100 million worldwide. I have attended the Tattoo for years and think it is a great night out".

A limited number of tickets for the 2002 Tattoo (2-24 August), priced £9.00 to £27.50, can be obtained using the credit card hotline on 08707 555 118 or in person from The Tattoo Ticket Sales Office at 33-34 Market Street in Edinburgh.

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Sponsors this year whose valuable support is gratefully acknowledged include:-

The Royal Bank of Scotland
Norwich Union
Standard Life
Dewar's World of Whisky
Ford

For further information, please contact :

The Tattoo Office, 32 Market Street, Edinburgh EH1 1QB
Tel: 0131 225 4783 Fax: 0131 225 8627
Email: edintattoo@edintattoo.co.uk