2019 Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo

June 29 – July 6, 2019 Scotiabank Centre, Halifax

*Disclosure: Our family received ticket to attend the media preview show of the Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo in exchange for telling you about this year’s upcoming show. We are huge fans of the Tattoo, so all opinions are our own.*

The Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo is back, and there’s no need for a babysitter – it’s toe-tapping, side-splitting, you-won’t-believe-your-eyes entertainment for the whole family!

If’ you’ve never been before, or if you’ve been many times before, every year the Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo is worth attending!

Here is the great lineup you can expect:

Black Diamond DrillDance Team – This Australian drill dance team made it all the way to the semi-finals of Australia’s Got Talent and now they’re bringing their feathery, frilly, frolicking routine to Halifax.

Chicago Wheel JAM by Cirques Experience – This Chicago-based troupe is bringing a splash of the circus to Halifax. The group’s leader, Wolfgang Bientzle, has won several World Champion, European and German National titles, and has appeared with Cirque du Soleil, Disney, the NBA, the NFL, the NHL, and Holiday on Ice!

Club Piruett – The elite Estonian gymnastic group returns to the Tattoo with its junior school performers who will bring flair to the show with a beautiful ribbon routine.

German Air Force Band Erfurt – Based out of central Germany, this 56-person band has represented the German Air Force throughout Europe and North America and comes to Halifax this summer to continue the strong friendship between the Tattoo and Germany.

Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force Band – Tokyo – Formed in 1952, this band is one of the most lauded military bands in the world and adds Halifax to a roster of Tattoos that also includes appearances in Oslo and Basel.

The North American Brass Band Summer School – Combining the world’s best brass instrumentalists, and led by the top brass instructors, the North American Brass Band Summer School musicians return to the Tattoo for their sixth year.

PO3 Mariko Nakagawa – PO3 Mariko Nakagawa performs with the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force Band and is renowned for her rich vocals and excellent pitch.

United States Air Force Honor Guard Drill Team – This crowd favourite, based out of Washington, D.C., mixes show-stopping weapon maneuvers with pin-drop silence to create a thrilling routine that will leave you holding your breath.

Valley Forge Military Academy and College Regimental Band – Members of the Valley Forge Regimental Band will join the Massed Bands this summer. These cadet musicians have performed at inaugural parades for U.S. Presidents, Virginia Governors, as well as the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.

Wachbataillon – An elite drill unit from Germany that excels in both protocol and infantry missions around the world.

5^th Canadian Division Band – Composed of reserve musicians from Atlantic Canada, the 5^th Canadian Division Band represents the Canadian Army and will augment the Massed Bands.

Canadian Cadets – The Canadian Cadet Organization has designated the Tattoo as one of its National Directed Activities for Cadet musicians and is committing to sending 70 young pipers and drummers, and brass and reed musicians, to perform in the show. In future years, this partnership will grow to include over 100 youth performers.

Canadian Jiffy Jeep Team Championships – Watch as members of the Corps of Royal Canadian Electricians and Mechanical Engineers race to take apart a Jeep and put it back together again! Which team will you root for?

Diaga Irish Dance – This troupe of young Irish dancers weaves Celtic choreography into their routines and are actively involved in promoting Celtic culture to the community.

Jon-Paul Decosse – This Dartmouth dweller possesses a “powerful, full-throated bass-baritone,” according to Opera Canada, and makes his Tattoo debut this summer after a career spent performing some of the most renowned operas across the country.

Massed Pipes & Drums – Featuring the best military, police and civilian pipes and drums units from across Canada, the Massed Pipes & Drums this year include units from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and the Canadian Cadets.

National Band of the Naval Reserve – Composed entirely of reserve musicians from five bands, the National Band of the Naval Reserve forms every summer to tour across the country, and the Tattoo is always on their calendar.

Nova Scotia Irish Dancers – This provincially selected group of Irish dancers is assembled especially for the Tattoo by former Riverdance performer Zeph Caissie and adds a bit of Celtic flair to the show.

PO2 Brad Davidge – PO2 Brad Davidge performs as a soloist with the Stadacona Band of the Royal Canadian Navy and adds his soulful vocals to the most poignant scenes in the Tattoo.

Scotia Suzuki School of Music – These young local musicians and dancers blend classical music styles with many types of Maritime music and dance including Celtic, French Acadian, Indigenous, Lebanese, and African styles.

Stadacona Band of the Royal Canadian Navy – The Tattoo’s pit band since 1979! Back for another year providing musical accompaniment to the show, the Stadacona Band also represents Canada’s East Coast Navy around the world.

Tattoo Choir – The Tattoo Choir has served as the vocal backbone to the show for over 35 years and returns this summer with over 100 strong voices to complement the musicians.

Tattoo Children’s Chorus – The Tattoo Children’s Chorus encompasses students from across the Halifax Regional Municipality who add their vocal talents to the show.

Tattoo Highland Dance Team – The Tattoo Highland Dance Team is composed of the best Highland Dancers around the province (and the world).

Go see the Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo from June 29-July 6 at the Scotiabank Centre in Halifax! @RoyalNSTattoo Share on X