What is the Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo?

The Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo is global entertainment in our own backyard.

Audiences from far and wide—and performers from every continent—have loved the Tattoo since its inception in 1979. In the decades since, our show has become the kick-off to summer: everyone knows they’ll find superior entertainment at the Tattoo.

We blend modern spectacle with historical medleys to show audiences where we’ve been, who we are today, and what’s coming in the future. There’s something for everyone at the Tattoo: marching bands, acrobats, dancers, military displays, pipes and drums, and much more!

The Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo is fun for the whole family. Kids 18 and under are free!

What is a Tattoo?

The word Tattoo is derived from Dutch doe den tap toe (translated to turn off the taps). In 17thcentury Dutch villages when British soldiers were required back at their barracks, a drummer would march through the streets playing the drumbeat doe den tap toe. Over time, the phrase was shortened to tap toe, then anglicized to tattoo and became a word meaning a military musical show.

Our Mission

The Tattoo is a registered not-for-profit charity with the following mission: to honour Canada’s Armed Forces and other first responders and to celebrate the heritage of Canadians’ contributions to national and international peace and stability. 

Our Team

Meet the Tattoo Staff:

Scott Long
Scott Long
Managing Director/Executive Producer
Tom Peet
Tom Peet
Director
Barbara MacLeod
Barbara MacLeod
Director of Finance
Leyna Faulkner
Leyna Faulkner
Marketing Manager
Jess Ilse
Jess Ilse
Creative Communications & PR Manager
Allison Pedvis
Ally Pedvis
Corporate Sales & Partnerships Manager
Robb Hall
Robb Hall
Production Manager


Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo Society Board of Directors

Harvey Morrison
Harvey Morrison
Chair
Paul MacKinnon
Paul MacKinnon
Secretary/Treasurer
Julie Chaisson
Julie Chaisson
Steinar Engeset
Steinar Engeset
Craig Gibson
C/Supt (Ret’d) Craig Gibson
Clinton Keay
Clinton Keay
Alex MacDonald
Col (Ret’d) Alexander MacDonald
Yvonne Mosley
Yvonne Mosley
Barry Pitcher
Barry Pitcher
Lindsay Ruck
Lindsay Ruck
Peter Stoffer
Peter Stoffer
Scott Long
Scott Long
Don Moser
Inspector Don Moser, AdeC, MA
Ex-Officio

Nova Scotia International Tattoo Foundation Board of Directors

Chris Hopgood
Chris Hopgood
Chair
Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo Coat of Arms
Dr. Colin Dodds
Vice Chair
Deepak Prasad
Deepak Prasad
Corporate Secretary
Jeff De Leebeeck
Jeff De Leebeeck
Treasurer
Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo Coat of Arms
The Honourable Cecil Clarke
Jim Davies
James Davis
Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo Coat of Arms
Bill Gullage
Vivian Jennings
Vivian Jennings
Anne Laybolt
Anne Laybolt
Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo Coat of Arms
Jack MacIsaac
Peter MacLellan
Peter MacLellan

We’re Just Scratching the Surface!

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Volunteers

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Seasonal Staff

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Performers

“We did not know about the Tattoo until we made it to Halifax but it was definitely the highlight of our trip!”

Aaron Ide
New London, Connecticut, USA

Photos by Stoo Metz, David Baillieul, Hamish Gordon & others.
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