Homecoming ‘Taste of the Tattoo’ run opens in Glasgow tomorrow

George Square in the heart of Glasgow’s cosmopolitan city centre will tomorrow come alive to the mellifluous sounds of the South Sea Islands as Tonga’s Royal Corps of Musicians together with a top multi-national cast from the Scottish Capital’s showpiece military event present the first of four free nationwide ‘Taste of the Tattoo’ performances from this summer’s sold-out 60th Edinburgh Tattoo (until 29th August).

As part of the Scottish Government’s Homecoming Scotland 2009 initiative, 500+ performers from this month’s record-breaking production are set to steal the ear and ignite the imagination with a colourful feast of music, song, dance and spectacle.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for Tattoo fans as well as first-timers to experience a free taste of the spectacle for which the Edinburgh Tattoo is renowned,” said Tattoo Chief Executive & Producer Major General Euan Loudon, “And special mention must go to Homecoming Scotland for helping to make this series of taster shows possible.”

Culture Minister Michael Russell said: “The Tattoo is a unique event in Scotland’s cultural calendar and does much to raise Scotland's profile as an international centre of culture.  As we celebrate our rich cultural heritage in the Year of Homecoming, it is great to see a wider audience being given the opportunity to sample the Tattoo experience for free.”

Attractions such as Switzerland’s awesome Top Secret Drum Corps, Australia’s captivating OzScot Highland Dancers, the extraordinary talents of China’s She Huo Cultural troupe and South Africa’s gifted Cape Town Highlanders, will provide a wealth of entertainment from around the world.

And they will feature alongside dazzling displays from the Royal Air Force, the Swiss Army’s elite Central Band, and Canada’s Calgary Burns Singers, together with the inspiring Massed Military Bands and the stirring sight and sounds of the world-famous Massed Pipes & Drums.

The four complimentary 70-minute Homecoming ‘Taste of the Tattoo’ presentations are scheduled to take place throughout Scotland as follows:

Marie Christie, Project Director, Homecoming Scotland 2009 said: “In celebration of Homecoming, this is the first time that the Tattoo Taster events have been brought to four unique locations across the country. Homecoming Scotland 2009 has a vast programme of events taking place across the country and throughout the year from small community events to major international events such as the Tattoo. It’s fantastic to be working with the Tattoo, not only to take these unique events across the country but also to celebrate Robert Burns within the Tattoo itself.”