Looking Back: Australia and New Zealand Tour Highlights
Two months on from our incredible tour of Australia and New Zealand, we reflect on the experience, performances and memories created by taking The Heroes Who Made Us show to the other side of the world.
What began as an ambitious idea became a reality at the beginning of 2026. Not only for the Tattoo team, but for performers, MPs, fans, and our friends and family quietly supporting us at home - as we took a full production of The Heroes Who Made Us to an international stage.
First stop on the tour - Brisbane
In February, the Tattoo hit the road for two weeks, beginning in Brisbane, Australia, for a four-night run at Suncorp Stadium.
It was the first time we had been in the country since 2019, and it was an incredible feeling to be back. While we were there, we did more than just the show.
Yes, that’s right; the cast marched down Brisbane’s famous Caxton Street to celebrate the Tattoo in the city. It was brilliant to see crowds gathering to support us and witness traditional performing arts from Scotland on their doorstep.
Our CEO, Jason Barrett, and Creative Director, Alan Lane, led the march alongside the Premier of Queensland, David Crisafulli, and the Minister for Tourism, Andrew Powell.
Bringing people together, rain or shine
Come rain or shine, the show, the march, and meeting new people all demonstrated the power of arts, culture and entertainment in bringing people together.
Jason Barrett reflected on our time in Brisbane:
It has been an outstanding success - strong media coverage, incredible audience response, and unforgettable moments, even with the rain accompanying our march through the streets.
Over 112,000 people came to watch us live in Brisbane, and the reception was extraordinary. I could not be prouder.
From the scorching heat of rehearsals to the rain on opening night, the resilience, professionalism, and spirit shown by every performer, crew member and leader has been exceptional.
Last stop on the tour – Auckland
After an amazing start in Brisbane, we packed our bags filled with drums, pipes, fiddles, dancing shoes, and the odd packet of Tim Tams, and headed to New Zealand, to the iconic Eden Park stadium, home of the All Blacks.
This show had a three-night run, and just like the Australian leg of the tour, over 1,000 performers brought The Heroes Who Made Us to life in a packed stadium.
This was an opportunity to celebrate our heroes, but also to introduce new ones, such as Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei. This tribe continues to celebrate and support its community by keeping culture and heritage alive, sharing traditions such as the haka on a global stage.
It was also special to bring our Tattoo performers and international cast overseas. Household names like the Top Secret Drum Corps wowed audiences with their precision drumming and signature blend of traditional technique and modern style.
Our Tattoo performers from Scotland also embraced the opportunity to be part of such a large-scale production in both Australia and New Zealand.
Cery’s Jones, Dancer in the Tattoo Performers said:
The whole experience was unforgettable. Stepping out to dance and hearing the crowd cheer was electrifying. The trip was even more special sharing it with amazing friends from around the world - memories I’ll cherish for a lifetime and an experience I’ll be forever grateful for.”
It was also important to give new performers from both countries the opportunity to showcase their talent and traditional arts in their home environments.
Reflection
We learned a great deal from this overseas tour. Above all, it reinforced that our commitment to professionalism, precision and a deep love of arts and culture translates powerfully across borders.
We were met with the same warmth and enthusiasm from audiences, communities and government representatives. It reinforced the power of connection and how entertainment opens doors, creating spaces for conversation between people who may never otherwise have met.
In those spaces, community, culture, and creativity thrive, shaping the next ideas that bring people together.
We now know the show on this scale can work abroad, and this will not be the last time you hear of us in these two remarkable countries.
Tickets for our 2026 Show, A Call To Gather are now available to buy online or via the phone on +44 (0) 131 225 1188.
22 April 2026