The 2023 Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo Cast!
The 2023 Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo welcomed cast from Australia, Germany, South Korea, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, the United States, and of course, Canada, to celebrate OCEANS.
Life in Nova Scotia is influenced by a deep connection to the sea. Stories and traditions defined by a strong maritime history.
THE 2023 TATTOO TOOK PLACE JUNE 30 – JULY 3, 2023
STREAM THE 2023 TATTOO LATER THIS FALL!
INTERNATIONAL CAST
BRISBANE BOYS’ COLLEGE PIPE BAND Australia
The Brisbane Boys’ College Pipe Band from Australia makes their Nova Scotia Tattoo debut this summer. They performed at the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo last year. The Pipe Band dates back to 1940 and its members perform at campus events and in the wider community. The Pipe Band members sport the Ancient Hunting MacLean, incorporating the College colours green, white and black.
Formed in 1956, the German Air Force Band Münster musicians describe their music as traditional, varied, flexible, but also modern and dynamic—just like the German Armed Forces they represent. Able to form in smaller musical combinations, their repertoire encompasses a large range of musical styles, and they represent the German Armed Forces at home and abroad at a variety of events.
The Republic of Korea Navy Band serves as a channel, utilizing the power of music to connect between individuals and the Navy, as well as between the Republic of Korea and the global community. Their scene features traditional Korean music and their brass band to celebrate the enduring friendship between Canada and Korea. The band was formed 77 years ago and make their Tattoo debut this summer!
Last in Halifax in 2014, Top Secret Drum Corps nearly blew the roof off the Scotiabank Centre with their quick, explosive, and entertaining drum medleys. Based in Basel, Switzerland, this drum corps have delighted audiences around the world—and, since coming back from the pandemic, have performed at the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, the Basel Tattoo, and Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations at Windsor Castle.
BAND OF HM ROYAL MARINES, COLLINGWOOD United Kingdom
The Band of HM Royal Marines, Collingwood is one of the top military bands in the United Kingdom and is a part of the musical branch of the Royal Navy. The Band performs around the world, and frequently performs for royalty and other high-profile guests. Their music has millions of streams on popular music streaming services. As members of the Royal Marines, they also undertake operational military duties when not performing. The Band has appeared twice at the Tattoo, in 1994 and 1997 and were immensely popular.
The United States Air Force Honor Guard are returning to Halifax with their precise and astonishing drill routine! The USAF Honor Guard is the premier drill team in America, and their work at Arlington National Cemetery includes performing military honors for over 1,000 funerals each year; in addition to the 2,000 ceremonial events they support each year.
The Stadacona Band of the Royal Canadian Navy has been the long-time Tattoo pit band, performing from the very beginning. Watch for them in our pit band area wearing their navy whites!
A hallmark of Canadian Armed Forces musicians in the show, the National Band of the Naval Reserve are old favourites who perform at the Tattoo year after year. This summer, the Naval Reserve celebrates its 100th anniversary!
Alan Syliboy & The Thundermakers have performed with Symphony Nova Scotia multiple times as part of its Fusion and Pjila’si Sessions, and frequently blends music with art, storytelling, spoken word and indigenous dancers to deliver mesmerizing live performances around the Maritimes.
Serpentine Studios Entertainment creates dazzling entertainment for events; showcasing the talent of a wide network of local performing artists since 2007. Under the direction of Laura Selenzi, Serpentine Studios is a prominent force in the arts community known for visually stunning work in circus arts, dance, and specialty entertainment.
Last summer PO1 Brad Davidge brought down the house with a Beatles medley, this year he’s back bringing his crooner best to the show! PO1 Brad Davidge is a celebrated musician and songwriter with a four-octave vocal range, a mastery of the guitar, and the talent to wow the crowds at the Tattoo year after year!
TATTOO MASSED PIPES & DRUMS
What’s a Tattoo without the pipes and drums! This classic component to the Tattoo is filled with pipes and drums units from across Canada.
TATTOO HIGHLAND DANCE TEAM
The talented dancers who make up the Tattoo Highland Dance Team bring creativity, grace and skill to the production every year!
Led by Choral Director Patricia Tupper, the Tattoo Choir, has become integral to the musicality of the show.
TATTOO CHILDREN’S CHORUS
The talented children who make up the Tattoo Children’s Chorus are found in youth choirs across Halifax Regional Municipality and add musical flair to the show.
TATTOO FANFARE TRUMPETERS
A fanfare is a piece of music noted for its fanciful and triumphant sound, and the Tattoo Fanfare Trumpeters perform throughout the show in their Tudor-era costumes.
TATTOO EXTRAS
Always dressed in period-accurate costuming, the Tattoo Extras lend credibility and heart to our poignant historical scenes and have featured in the Tattoo from the beginning.
PETER HARRISON
Peter Harrison has been a fixture of morning radio in Nova Scotia for more than three decades. He is the current co-host of MOVE Mornings at Move 100, and he’s back to announce the Tattoo this summer!
“What a great decision it was to gather family together and experience an awesome evening of entertainment. We collectively enjoyed every moment of the night. There was something for everyone of all ages.”
Photos by Stoo Metz, David Baillieul, Hamish Gordon & others.
