Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo in Melbourne
The Australian Defence Force showcased its Combined Military Bands, Australia’s Federation Guard and, for the first time, the Pipes and Drums of the Australian Defence Force during multiple performances at the 2016 Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo in Melbourne over the weekend.
Among those to attend the tattoo over the weekend was the Vice Chief of the Defence Force Vice Admiral Ray Griggs who said he was proud to see the ADF perform alongside Commonwealth and international bands as part of the inspiring military spectacle.
“The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo is a unique celebration of military heritage and music,” Vice Admiral Griggs said.
“There is nothing quite like it. It brings together military bands, ceremonial and cultural elements from many nations in an event that is a colourful display of music, dance and military precision.
“I am delighted the ADF was again part of this world-class event, performing alongside armed forces from around the world.”
Over five performances from 12 to 14 February, the Combined Military Bands performed music especially crafted for the Tattoo by Leading Seaman Musician Martyn Hancock, in addition to some of Australia’s most iconic melodies.
Director Combined Military Bands of the ADF Lieutenant Commander Steven Stanke said the band enjoyed playing music that had a central place in Australian and ADF memory.
“These melodies have meant so much to our members serving in conflict and on peacekeeping duties during the past century of service,” Lieutenant Commander Stanke said.
“It was an honour to perform them for the internationally renowned Royal Edinburgh Tattoo,” he said.
The Pipes and Drums of the ADF, comprising members from across the three services, was formed especially for the event in a joint venture between the ADF and the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo.
The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo has previously toured to Australia, with performances in Sydney in 2005 and 2010.
Vice Admiral Griggs said this year the Tattoo provided a timely reminder of the magnitude of the First World War on Australia and the contributions and sacrifices made by Australians as we commemorate the Centenary of Anzac.
“The massed bands, the military precision of the performances, and the haunting strains of the lone piper, provided a time for attendees to reflect on our a century of military service by Australians who have served in peace and in conflict, and who continue to do so today,” he said.
The Tattoo provides significant funding for benevolent organisations and charities. Some of the proceeds from the Melbourne performances will directly assist our current and former serving defence personnel and their families, with part of the funds raised from ticket sales being dispersed to nominated Australian charities.
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I had prepaid for The Royal Military Tattoo DVD in Sydney 2019 and have not received as yet. When will it be coming as I would like it before xmas.
Dear Denise.
Why would you ask a news outlet for a delivery update on your purchase from an entertainment company – and post it to a three-year-old story?
I don’t mean to be rude – but seriously!
🙂
But, given that I am a nice guy really – here’s the link you need – https://www.anzstadium.com.au/footer/contact-us/
The performance of the band at Melbourne was excellent I was proud to be present at the show .
As a piper the music again excellent
I would request if possible a copy of the setting of the Road to Gundagai and Now is the Hour
My email address is barry.cathcart@bigpond .com
Thank you in anticipation
Barry Cathcart
Hi Barry. I’m pleased you enjoyed the Tattoo and our little story on it.
I think the most appropriate avenue for chasing down the music would be through either the Tattoo organisers or Defence. Write to the organisers at info@edinburghtattoo.com.au or Defence via media@defence.gov.au
Cheers,
Brian Hartigan
Editor
I enjoyed the Tattoo and the ADF military bands and pipe band were great. I am still disappointed that the Army band continues to wear khaki instead of their full dress uniform of blues trousers, red tunic and white Sudan helmet. This was the uniform the first Australian contingent wore on deployment to the Sudan. The slouch hat was only worn by mounted troops. All pre Federation foot soldiers wore the white helmet. We are the only country wearing this helmet. Some UK units wear a black helmet of this style but not white. The Royal Marines white helmet is very different to the Australian one. It says a lot that they had to create an ADF pipe band because they have let the battalion pipes & drums run down to point they could not field one full army pipe band. Again they only had the white cut away band jackets. We had a distinctly Australian pipe band jacket which the Army has lost. The Commonwealth Government Clothing Factory was corporatized then privatized and the bean counters through out the patterns. The National Servicemen’s Memorial Pipe band in Brisbane hold a number of these jackets. CDF & CA it is time to reinstate the pipe bands in the battalions.
Hi Mal. I don’t have the depth of knowledge you seem to have on the helmets etc. But I do have an interest and love of bagpipes. So, I’m going to pass on your comment to Defence to get a response on all points, but especially the pipes.
This could take a while, but I will get back to you on it.
Brian Hartigan
Editor
They usually do. Check ABC or whoever was sponsoring it. I went on line after the last one and ordered a copy, so there is probably that option this time.
Thanks Jo.
I sent the organisers and email this evening asking for a definitive answer. Will let everyone know when I hear back.
Brian Hartigan
Editor
Hello again Jo. Apparently there will be a DVD produced, which can be pre-ordered from Shop.playbill.com.au/remt
Cheers,
Brian
Have they produced a DVD in relation to the Militay Tattoo.
Hi John. I am not aware of there being a DVD. There’s certainly no mention of one in the merchandise sections of their web site http://www.edinburghtattoo.com.au/index.html
If anyone knows different, please let us know.
Brian Hartigan
Editor
Hello again John. Apparently there will be a DVD produced, which can be pre-ordered from Shop.playbill.com.au/remt
Cheers,
Brian
Hi,
My daughter was a dancer at the Melbourne tattoo and I would live to order a DVD for her. There is just one question I have to ask. As we are in Scotland if I ordered one from Australia would it play over here ok? Thanks in advance for any advice.
Hi Margaret. I doubt an Australian DVD would play in Scotland, unless you have a special player. Sometimes you can get a ‘hack code’ and play it via a laptop DVD player. Otherwise, I’d try the Edinburgh Tattoo web site and see if they have Scotland-compatable copies of the Aussie show.