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19 September 2006
The New Zealand Army Band has recently returned from performing at the 57th Edinburgh Military Tattoo in Scotland. The tattoo, which is performed against the backdrop of Edinburgh Castle, ran from 4 to 26 August and also featured performers from Australia, Chile, Switzerland, South Africa and the United Kingdom.
The Edinburgh Military Tattoo, which is set up and run for charitable purposes, is considered to be Scotland’s most prestigious and internationally renowned tourist event. It was therefore an honour and privilege for the New Zealand Army Band to be invited to perform. The band’s only previous performance at the Edinburgh Tattoo was in 2002 for the Queen’s Golden Jubilee Tattoo, and it also performed when the Edinburgh Military Tattoo appeared in Wellington in 2000 and Sydney in 2005.
2006 marked the eighth successive sold-out season for the tattoo, with tickets being sold out in February – the fastest ever sell-out in the event’s history. During the course of the tattoo’s 24-performance run, the band performed live to 220,000 people, and television coverage of the show is expected to broadcast to an estimated 130-million people worldwide.
In addition to participating in the tattoo, the band performed at the Edinburgh Jazz and Blues Festival, and took part in the Edinburgh Festivals’ Cavalcade, the Tattoo street parade in Glasgow, and mini tattoos in Glasgow, Edinburgh and the Dewar’s Whisky Distillery in Aberfeldy.
The New Zealand Army Band is renowned for being innovative and using humour in its performances. Testament to this was the band being introduced at each performance of the tattoo as “one of the most innovative military bands in the world”. The band did not disappoint; the performance put together for the tattoo included ballet and Highland fling segments, a haka, and tributes to James Bond and Austin Powers.
An overwhelming response was received from the crowd, and the general consensus was that the New Zealand Army Band was one of the top acts in the tattoo. Many complimentary comments have been received (see quotes).
A highlight for some band members during the tattoo was being able to meet celebrities who came to watch the tattoo. After each performance of the tattoo a few members of the band were able to attend a VIP reception where they were able to meet celebrities such as Hayley Mills, Max Bygraves and Sir Sean Connery. LCPL Mike Chesnutt took the opportunity to meet Sir Sean , commenting , "It was a truly amazing experience to meet the actor that I admire most and who will always be my favourite James Bond"
During the course of the tattoo, Her Royal Highness Princess Anne, the Princess Royal, and His Royal Highness Prince Edward, the Earl of Wessex, attended as reviewing officers. The Band’s Director of Music, Major Leanne Smith, and Drum Major, Staff Sergeant Tristan Mitchell, were included in the line-ups to meet both.
In between performances, the band was able to enjoy some of the local attractions. Of particular note was a visit to the aircraft carrier, HMS Ark Royal. The band was accommodated at HMS Caledonia, the Royal Marines base at Rosyth, just outside Edinburgh. HMS Ark Royal is currently at HMS Caledonia undergoing refurbishment, and the band was fortunate enough to be invited to have a guided tour of the vessel.
The band is now back in Burnham Camp preparing to perform in Australia at the Perth Royal Show, which is being held 30 September–7 October.
Quotes
“... one of the most entertaining acts was the NZ Army Band which delighted the crowds with nice silver band music and some rather amusing dance steps. To see a few largish and not too young soldiers trying a pas de deux to some Tchaikovsky music was great! One of those nights when you would have been proud to tell folk that you are a Kiwi!”
“Their performance was a model of invention, virtuosity, timing, skill, amusement and entertainment. The performance was, without doubt, one of the most thoroughly entertaining I have seen at a military tattoo. The Band members are wonderful ambassadors for your country.”
“The NZ band were absolutely terrific and without doubt stole the show!”
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This page was last reviewed on 09 January 2009 and is current.
