The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo returns to Australia in October and the vision of REMT chief executive officer and producer Brigadier David Allfrey is to create maximum opportunities for our pipers and drummers to share in part of the Tattoo experience.

The Tattoo has already selected a number of our bands to form files in the massed pipes and drums for the four shows at ANZ Stadium Sydney from 17-19 October

Pipe Bands Australia is now assisting REMT in receiving expressions of interest from all bands and individual players to Brigadier Allfrey’s invitation for them to play prior to one of the four shows as the performance’s salute taker enters the stadium and to escort members of Australian clan organisations in a colourful prequel to the spectacular show.

We have been specifically requested to advise that this aspect of involvement in gaining a taste of the “tattoo experience” is self-funded. Full details of the opportunity are included in Brigadier Allfrey’s invitation below.

Pipe Bands Australia continues to work with Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo in finalising details of performance requirements and other logistics for the pre-show commitment and we have also proposed some associated initiatives to extend the legacy vision that are under consideration.

All bands, pipers and drummers are invited to submit their expressions of interest to remt19@pipebands.asn.au

Information provided will then be collated and forwarded to the REMT working group leaders.

BRIGADIER ALLFREY'S INVITATION:

We are so proud and privileged to be bringing the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo to Sydney in October this year. We are assembling a landmark international cast of 1,400 military and folkloric performers and expect an audience of over 170,000 across the run at ANZ Stadium. We sense that the opportunities and legacy of this occasion might run much deeper than everyone coming together just for the Show. With this in mind, we are reaching out to the Institutional and Community Pipe Bands across Australia. Tattoo offers a tremendous opportunity to bring people together: friends and families that may not have linked up in a while, communities across Sydney, those coming in from interstate and international visitors as well.

Tickets for the Show go on-sale to the general public on Monday 8th April and, with the demand for tickets expected to be high, we want to offer an ‘early bird’ opportunity for you to purchase the week prior. The plan is to coordinate this offer through our own Working Group chaired by Commander Dina Kinsman OAM, RAN supported by Chris Earl, President, Pipe Bands Australia. The Group is reaching out to the Pipe Band communities across Australia. We want to invite those that wish to parade and play pipes and drums with the Clans and Families - either as full bands, part bands or as individuals - into the stadium to welcome the Salute Taker at the start of each evening. We believe this will start each performance with a mass of colour, music and celebration! It also offers an opportunity for the wonderful pipe bands that cannot be included in the show to have a spectacular moment under the lights: “Ladies and Gentlemen, the Pipe Bands of Australia!” After the performance you will take your seat and enjoy the show. I do hope you will join us for this fun and memorable occasion. More details will be provided closer to the day. Pipers and Drummers wishing to participate in this massed band element of the opening moments of the show will need to purchase a ticket, which will also serve as part of the accreditation process. Your tickets will be held in selected Gold reserve bays to ensure easy access to watch the show after your performance. Gold Tickets are $185.

There are 2 ways to purchase tickets: 􀁸 As a group of 20+ via the Ticketek Groups line 1300 364 001 (available now). Group bookings will attract a discount so tickets will be reduced to $145 each. o If taking advantage of the Group rate, remember to tell the Ticketek booking agent if your band would like to participate in the performance. 􀁸 As individuals / smaller groups - an email will be sent prior to the general public on-sale period (1st – 7th April) with a link and password to purchase tickets into the assigned band area.