Royal Edinburgh Military tattoo to make Historic Debut in Auckland
A spectacular festivity of music, heritage, and military precision, the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, is set to captivate audiences at auckland’s Eden Park from February 19-21, 2025. The event will feature over 1400 performers each night,bringing a world-renowned tradition to New Zealand shores for the first time.
A Legacy of Excellence
For Christchurch drummer Lance Rairi, a mainstay of the Edinburgh Military Tattoo, the prospect to perform in New Zealand is deeply personal. “They can’t keep me away now. I absolutely love it,” he shared. He emphasized the event’s accessibility, stating, “It’s huge for people who wouldn’t have had the opportunity to see it, and it’s lovely to bring it home,” Rairi explained. He noted the personal significance for those with Scottish ancestry, particularly given the challenges of international travel.
Preparing for the Tattoo demands immense dedication. Musicians invest countless hours in rehearsal, often from morning until night, to meet the event’s exacting standards. Rairi, an alumnus of Christchurch’s St Andrews pipe and drum band, embraces the challenge, finding a unique enjoyment in the collaborative spirit of the Tattoo. “Competing is good up to a point,” he said. “There’s another side to it, the enjoyment side, and [the Tattoo] is bringing that to me personally.”
Cultural Connections and Artistic Grandeur
The sentiment is echoed by West Coast fiddlers Karen and Alistair Jackson, seasoned performers with the Military Tattoo in both Sydney and melbourne. Karen, whose family boasts generations of fiddle players, emphasized the importance of cultural preservation. “I was brought up in a Scottish fiddle family. We can go back generations of fiddle players,” she stated. Alistair, with a background in brass bands, found his passion for the violin through their successful Fiddlesticks band.
The couple,who returned to New Zealand during the COVID-19 pandemic,are struck by “the grandeur” of the Tattoo and the meticulous planning that transforms it into a “well-oiled machine.” Rehearsals are intensive, with some days stretching from 8 am to 11 pm.
Karen reflected on the deeper significance of bringing the Tattoo to Aotearoa, highlighting the rich cultural connections between New Zealand and Scotland. “I’ve thought about this a lot in recent years, as it’s become really important to hold on to culture. We see that in Māoridom, and the growth and excellence that’s emerging through Māori culture. I see that in the Tattoo.I believe holding on to culture is something really special for us all.”
The Tattoo’s cast reflects a diverse range of ages and experience levels, fostering a unique intergenerational dynamic. “We have brilliant young players coming up. And we need oldies too, because they bring out the best in the young ones,” Karen added.
A Showcase of Talent
The New Zealand event will feature a blend of international and local talent. Scottish actor Terence rae will serve as narrator, while the Top Secret Drum Corp and a contingent of British performers from the Edinburgh original will contribute to the spectacle. local groups, including the Auckland Police Pipe and Drums, NZ Defense Force Combined Services band, and the City of Invercargill Pipe Band, will add a distinctly Kiwi flavor to the performances.
For the performers, the opportunity to represent Aotearoa on home soil makes the considerable effort, expense, and time commitment worthwhile.
Event Details
What: the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo
When: February 19, 20, and 21 at 8 pm
Where: Eden Park, Auckland – Tickets are available at ticketek.co.nz
To get $75 off a bundle of four tickets, click here.
