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Troops from seven south-west Pacific nations arrived in Sydney on Royal Australian Air Force service aircraft this weekend to take part in the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, which will be held from 17-19 October at ANZ Stadium, Sydney Olympic Park.
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United by their universal language of music, participants from the south Pacific nations – including Cook Islands, Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga and Vanuatu – arrived on Saturday afternoon at RAAF Base Richmond.
Chief of the Defence Force, General Angus Campbell, said he was pleased to see Australia once again hosting this world famous event and welcomed all participants to Australia.
"The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo is a highly prestigious event and is the longest running international Tattoo, dating back to 1950. The largest ever Tattoo in Sydney will present an international cast of talented performers from around the world. It is a unique celebration of music and military tradition in a colourful display of music, dance and military precision," GEN Campbell said.
The show, which will run until 19 October, is set against a full-size replica of Edinburgh Castle.
The renowned Scottish spectacular will bring together more than 1,500 of the world’s finest pipers, fiddlers, drummers, military musicians and performers for an inimitable mix of music, ceremony, military tradition, theatre and Celtic folklore, while also focusing on Australia and the south Pacific nations.
The Australian Defence Force has provided a range of ceremonial and logistic support to the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo including more than 250 cast members, air and ground transport and co-ordination for participating nations.
"I am delighted that the ADF will once again be part of this world-class event," GEN Campbell said.
The Tattoo will feature all the hallmark elements of this world-famous military and cultural event with unique Australian and international acts added to the program.
Traditional crowd favourite songs Auld Lang Syne and Scotland The Brave will feature in addition to contemporary favourites.
Stephen Kuper
Steve has an extensive career across government, defence industry and advocacy, having previously worked for cabinet ministers at both Federal and State levels.
