Summerhill Shines in Edinburgh
The 2014 Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo runs from 1 – 23 August and forms part of a multitude of arts and cultural festivals happening in and around Edinburgh during the course of the month. This year sees the 65th Tattoo which features a uniquely South African flavour as Summerhill Stud’s iNgombamakhosi Zulu Dance Troupe forms part of a stellar daily line-up on the esplanade below Edinburgh Castle.
220,000 visitors are expected to see the performance which opens with Michael McDermott’s specially created fanfare ‘Ready To Go’ to celebrate the Year of Homecoming. A band of 260 pipers and drummers then crosses the drawbridge through smoke and light, to take to the arena. The programme then launches into a journey around the world, embodying the 2014 theme ‘Our Home, Friends and Family’ with tales of exploration and cultural exchange.
First stop is Malta, then South Africa – celebrating 20 years of democracy and proudly represented by Summerhill’s iNgombamakhosi Dance Troupe. India and then Singapore are showcased, before the Scottish journeyers arrive in New Zealand and are challenged by the award-winning Kapa Haka Dancers. The Tattoo turns to the Caribbean with the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force Steel Orchestra. There is a celebration of the 350th anniversary of the founding of the Royal Marines and the grand finale is a coming home celebration of over 1150 cast members, including one of the biggest ever Massed Pipes and Drums bands in the Tattoo’s impressive history.
The Summerhill team are reportedly working hard, but having a wonderful time.
See below for a sneak peak behind the scenes.
Behind The Scenes at the Edinburgh Military Tattoo
