NORFOLK, Va. — It's a centuries-old tradition of military pipes and drums, and so much more.
The Virginia International Tattoo is returning to Norfolk this week.
The Tattoo began back in 1997 and is the signature event of the Virginia Arts Festival: an exhibition of military bands, massed pipes and drums, military drill teams, Celtic dancers, and choirs, presented in cooperation with NATO and the Norfolk NATO Festival.
According to the Virginia Arts Festival: "the centuries-old tradition of Tattoo originated as a signal from drummers instructing Dutch innkeepers near military garrisons to 'Doe den Tap-too' or 'turn off the tap.' Hearing the call 'Tap-too' soldiers would return to their barracks for an evening roll call. The ensuing parade of soldiers evolved into a military marching band performance now known worldwide as 'Tattoo.'"
Woven deeply into the International Tattoo's fabric is the military.
"From the first note to the last note, they're our audience. They're our neighbors in Hampton Roads. So, totally integral to the Tattoo is our support of the military," producer-director Scott Jackson previously told 13News Now.
"To have that kind of support for our service, for our families, is just a wonderful thing and to feel it viscerally in the tattoo is an incredible experience," said Captain Christian Muncey, United States Air Force Heritage of America Band Conductor.
This year's theme is "A Celebration of Freedom." It will honor the 80th anniversary of the D-Day invasion, and the 75th anniversary of the founding of NATO. The 2024 Tattoo will feature more than 800 performers from the U.S., Australia, Canada, France, Germany the Netherlands, and Switzerland.
The Tattoo will take place April 18 through 21 at Norfolk Scope. Tickets are available and on sale now at www.vafest.org, by phone at 757-282-2822, or in person at the Virginia Arts Festival Box Office located at 440 Bank Street, Norfolk, VA 23510.
Virginia International Tattoo 2024 Participating Nations
AUSTRALIA
- Scots College Pipes and Drums
CANADA
- Royal Canadian Air Force Pipes and Drums
FRANCE
- XV du Pacifique French Army
MULTINATIONAL
- Virginia International Tattoo Highland Dance Company
GERMANY
- Musikkorps der Bundeswehr, Germany
NETHERLANDS
- Netherlands Royal Marine Band
SWITZERLAND
- Top Secret Drum Corps
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
- Andy’s Tartan Army
- 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