The 2024 Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo takes flight from the Scotiabank Centre in Halifax from June 28 through July 1 with this year’s theme, Horizons.
This year, we wanted to incorporate the Air Force’s centenary and bring Horizons into play, where the ocean and the earth touch the sky. – Scott Long
“The foundation of this year’s theme came from the 100th anniversary of the Royal Canadian Air Force,” says the Tattoo’s managing director and executive producer Scott Long. “Last year, we were ocean-focused, celebrating a significant naval anniversary. This year, we wanted to incorporate the Air Force’s centenary and bring Horizons into play, where the ocean and the earth touch the sky.”
Musicians, marching bands, pipers, drummers and more from Nova Scotia and Canada will be joined by other groups from around the world to mark the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) anniversary. “There are Air Force musicians in the show along with musicians from all the other branches of the Canadian Armed Forces,” says Long. “There will also be a large Air Force Honour Guard for the finale, among other ceremonial segments.”
Among them is the Central Band of the Royal Air Force from the United Kingdom. “Having such a renowned military band with us is a huge win,” says Long.
This year’s theme will also explore the horizons of human potential with performances from groups such as The Music Man Project from the United Kingdom, which uses music to improve the lives of people with learning disabilities. “We have ten ambassadors and their musical backup group joining us,” says Long. “Their participation embodies the idea of expanding human potential through music.”
Other highlights include the acrobatics of the Jambo Brothers from Kenya, which recently performed for crowds at the Dartmouth Open Street Festival. “The acrobats were fantastic and the crowd loved them,” says Long.
Long is also excited about the performance by local talent Dee Dee Austin. “She’s one of the best young upcoming singer-songwriters from around here,” says Long. “Her performance is set to knock your socks off. It’s powerful, just her and a piano, but it’s unbelievably impactful.”
Adding to the eclectic mix of acts that have become a hallmark of the Tattoo over the years is Maggie the Goalie. A three-year-old German Shepherd from New Brunswick that fancies itself a goalie, she has appeared on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon and competed on the most recent season of Canada’s Got Talent. Audience members can enter to win an opportunity to shoot and score against Maggie. “It’s an intermission act sure to delight the kids,” Long says.
Beyond the main event, the Tattoo is reintroducing its Canada Day Parade, featuring cast members and other participants. The parade starts at 10 a.m. on Monday, July 1, from the Scotiabank Centre and winds through downtown streets.
The Tattoo will once again offer a free ticket for those under 18 with the purchase of each adult or senior ticket. “These days, with the show prices what they are, the Tattoo is a high-value proposition with an entertaining show that is great for all ages,” says Long. “It’s a world-class family event.”
The 2024 Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo takes place at the Scotiabank Centre in downtown Halifax from June 28 through July 1. Visit nstatto.ca for tickets and information.