NORFOLK, Va. — It's a centuries-old tradition of military pipes and drums, and it's so much more.
The Virginia International Tattoo returns to Norfolk in a little over two months.
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.
Woven deeply into its 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," said Scott Jackson, Producer-Director.
"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.