NORFOLK, Va. - A big military performance featuring acts from around the world is back at Norfolk's Scope Arena this week.
The annual Virginia International Tattoo kicks off Thursday, April 18 with shows through Sunday, April 21. Organized by the Virginia Arts Festival, the Tattoo runs alongside the Norfolk NATO Festival.
The word "Tattoo" comes from an old Dutch command "Doe den tap-too," telling local innkeepers to "turn off the taps," signaling to soldiers to return to the barracks for evening roll call.
This year's theme is "A Celebration of Freedom," marking 80 years since the D-Day landings of World War II and 75 years since the founding of NATO. There are more than 800 performers in the cast, according to the Virginia Arts Festival, from as close as Hampton Roads and northeastern North Carolina to as far away as Australia.
Performers:
AUSTRALIA
51 ACU Swan Regiment Drums & Pipes
Scots College Pipes and Drums
The Scots College Old Boys Pipes & Drums
FRANCE
XV du Pacifique Army Rugby Team
GERMANY
Musikkorps der Bundeswehr
MULTINATIONAL
Virginia International Tattoo Highland Dance Company
NETHERLANDS
Marine Band of the Royal Netherlands Navy
SWITZERLAND
Top Secret Drum Corps
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
Camden County Emerald Society Pipes and Drums
Granby High School Naval Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps
Hampton Roads Police Color Guards
Norfolk Fire-Rescue Honor Guard
Old Dominion University Concert Choir
Tidewater Pipes and Drums
U.S. Air Force Heritage of America Band
U.S. Air Force Honor Guard Drill Team
U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command Herald Trumpets
U.S. Marine Corps FAST Company
U.S. Navy Fleet Forces Band
Virginia Children’s Chorus
Virginia Symphony Orchestra Chorus
Shows on Thursday, Friday and Saturday night begin at 7:30 p.m. Sunday's show is at 2:30 p.m.
Click HERE for ticket information to the 2024 Virginia International Tattoo.
