The show is modelled on the world-famous Edinburgh Tattoo, which draws an international audience of over 200 000 people and reaches a television audience of another 100 million.

“Most of all, the South African National Tattoo is an enthralling, foot-tapping, heart-pounding cultural extravaganza arranged to delight young and old,” says GM of Montecasino Steve Howell. “The Tattoo is a tradition born in an ancient land and adopted in major cities throughout the world.

“The organising committee has a wealth of experience. Most are currently involved in pipe bands and highland dance bands and have recently participated in the Edinburgh, Basel and Moscow Tattoos. This is going to be a great show. We are proud to present the South African Tattoo and we anticipate it will become a popular annual event.”

High-energy

The high-energy event takes place at Montecasino in its outdoor events venue. The show maximises dramatic light displays and runs for 90 minutes with no interval and back-to-back activity culminating in a grand finale. The average length of each act is 10 minutes and many acts overlap for maximum audience attention.

“We promise to hold you spellbound - from the opening scene to the grand finale,” says Simon Carter, MD of MC2 which are producing the spectacle.

“One of the highlights will be the Top Secret band from Switzerland [which has] thrilled audiences at tattoos around the world.

“The show will also include the famous Navy Gun Run, precision marching, horseback displays by the mounted unit of the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department; as well as the SAPS who will show their impressive dog squad acts and much, much more.

“We expect crowd favourites to be the massed pipe bands and precision marching of the Transvaal Scottish and other regiments, the Highland Dancers and of course our Zulu performers,” he said.

Charity performance

A charity performance will benefit the Walter Sisulu Paediatric Unit and organisers hope that sufficient funds will be raised by ticket sales to pay for a life-saving heart operation for a South African child.

Booking is at Computicket with special rates for groups. “We have deliberately kept the price low to make it an affordable show for the whole family; kids' tickets start at R95 and the most expensive adult ticket is R187. There are a limited number of tickets available, so you are advised to book early,” Carter said.

[15 Jul 2008 08:43]

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