23rd & 24th February 2008

Rotorua International Stadium

From 7.30pm Saturday & 7.00pm Sunday

A first of its kind for the Bay of Plenty, the Classic Hits Bay of Plenty Searchlight Tattoo event is a traditional military style pageant incorporating superb performances by musicians, dancer, choirs and othe5r performers.

This is an extravaganza of pomp, ceremony, and spectacle not to be missed. Featuring a mix of Defence Bands and Civilian Pipe and Brass Bands from around the world, this is an event that people of all ages will love.

ENTERTAINMENT

New Zealand Army Band
The New Zealand Army Band is one of the most diverse musical entertainment establishments in New Zealand today. As soldiers and musicians its members hold a unique position in the New Zealand Army. Their duties include performing at State and Ceremonial occasions. However, the scope of performance that the New Zealand Army Band undertakes is immense and varied. Its members are often able to show their ability as versatile performers promoting the New Zealand Army at home and around the world.

Band of the Royal Regiment of New Zealand Artillery
Commonly known as the "Artillery" or "Arty" Band, this group has a history of over 140 years continuous service as a Territorial Forces unit of the New Zealand Army. The band based in Auckland under the Command of the Auckland/Northland Battalion Group.

New Zealand Army Field Guns - Royal New Zealand Artillery
16th Field Regiment, Royal New Zealand Artillery (RNZA) was formed in 1950 in response to the New Zealand Government's commitment to the United National Emergency Response Force in the Korean War. The Regiment was committed to the fighting as part of the Commonwealth Brigade, fighting along side Australian, Canadian and British troops until the cessation of hostilities in 1953. The Regiment was disbanded on its return from Korea ain 1954, but was reactivated in 1958. At this point it was the first and only Regular Force Artillery unit in the New Zealand Army. In 1965 RNZA Gunners went to South Vietnam where 161 Batter was deployed as part of the New Zealand contributions to the war.

Mock Battle - Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment
The 1st Battalion Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment (1RNZIR), directly traces its history from the Divisional Cavalry Regiment of 2nd New Zealand Expeditionary Force (2NZEF) of World War Two. After the war, the unit was converted into an Infantry Regiment, which subsequently served in Japan with J Force. This unit was disbanded in 1948.

In July 1957, the First Battalion, The New Zealand Regiment was formed and trained in New Zealand to deploy and conduct operations in Malaya. In April 1967, the First Battalion, The New Zealand Regiment became the 1st Battalion RNZIR with the formation of the new Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment.

Displays
Vintage military vehicle display
Light Armoured Vehicle (NZ LAV) display
Fireworks

TICKETS

Tickets to the Bay of Plenty Searchlight Tattoo are available from Ticketek Box Offices nationwide, by phoning 0800 TICKETEK (842 538), or online at www.ticketek.co.nz/.

PRICING

Adult - Grandstand $45
Adult - General Admission $40

Children (U15) - Grandstand* $25
Children (U15) - General Admission* $20

Family (2A/3C) - Grandstand $115
Family (2A/3C) - General Admission $100

Superannuitants - Grandstand $40
Superannuitants - General Admission $35

Groups (10+) - Grandstand** $40
Groups (10+) - General Admission** $35

* Children under 5 receive free entry
** Tour Groups receive a complimentary pass for driver

Download an event programme (201KB PDF - 2 Pages).

For more information please go to the Bay Of Plenty Searchlight Tattoo Site