Five foreign bands for military tattoo

This year's military tattoo is guaranteed to keep enthusiasts glued to their seats with more bands than ever and a gymnastics display.

Contrary to the previous five editions, which only featured one foreign military band, this year's tattoo will feature three: the Grenadiers and Rifles Military Band from The Netherlands and the Army Cadet Force Band and Princess of Wales Royal Regiment, both from the UK.

It will also feature two foreign bands: the Swiss Pipes and Drums of Jura and the Danish Talentholdet.

As in previous years, the Armed Forces of Malta Band and the Malta Police Band will sprout a unique and, sometimes, funny routine, accompanied by the Malta Police Precision Drill Team.

The Wallace Pipes and Drums will also be taking part together with the gymnastics team.

Organising the tattoo is not easy and organiser Alfred Busietta explained that the effort took almost two years.

"Normally, one high ranking officer from the military band comes over to see how the local tattoo is organised, where it is organised, which contractor will be providing all their transport during their stay... and which hotel will be hosting them," he said.

In fact, representatives of foreign bands interested in taking part next year and in two years' time will this year be overseeing the tattoo.

The idea was born six years ago, when Mr Busietta proposed an international event for marching bands to the then Culture Minister, which saw the Valletta Military Tattoo being held in St George's Square a year later. Scaffolding had been put up around the square to accommodate the patrons and this left a minimum area where the bands could perform and where the massed band finale had to take place.

"After three years, due to St George's Square's limited space, the ever-increasing demand for tickets, especially from foreign guests, and the yearly threat of sudden rain showers, I decided to move the event indoors two years ago," he added.

Asked what the highlight of this year's tattoo would be, Mr Busietta said it was difficult to say but he did add that the tattoo would provide different styles of marching and formation displays, a varied range of military and pop music but, above all, good family entertainment.

Tickets for the Malta Military Tattoo, which will be held on October 10 and 11, are already on sale at the Malta Fairs and Conventions Centre in Ta' Qali, where it will take place and David Interiors Limited in Qormi.

To book call on 2137 6312, send an e-mail to booking@maltamilitarytattoo.org or visit www.ticketline.com.mt.