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A tattoo you won’t regret

Inspired by the famous Edinburgh, Basel and Nova Scotia tattoos, the Pacific Tattoo is a showcase of diverse world-class performances
98767vicnewsAECalgaryHighlandershires
The Calgary Highlanders will join the massed pipes and drums at the first Pacific Tattoo at Bear Mountain arena.

If CeltFest isn’t enough for you, the Pacific Tattoo at Bear Mountain Arena will put the swing in your kilt.

The Pacific Tattoo, which runs July 14 and 15 at 7:30 p.m., with a matinee on July 15 at 1:30 p.m., is a musical extravaganza of military bands, massed pipes and drums, fiddlers, dancers and vocalists.

Inspired by the famous Edinburgh, Basel and Nova Scotia tattoos, the Pacific Tattoo is a showcase of diverse world-class performances – and the biggest indoor show on Vancouver Island.

Performers from Germany and the Maritimes will be among the spectacular lineup at this first Pacific Tattoo at Bear Mountain. Organizers promise pageantry, music, dance and comedy in a two-hour show that will delight audiences of all ages.

Producer Roger McGuire and director Dave Tarry have a long history of involvement with military tattoos. McGuire has performed in numerous international tattoos and military festivals.

Tarry organized naval celebrations and royal visits during his years of service, including two military tattoos.

“We are all excited by the creativity that has gone into the development of the show, and by the calibre of the acts that are eager to join us,” said McGuire. “The crowd in Bear Mountain Arena can expect traditional tattoo elements like massed pipes and drums and Celtic dancers, and we have some international crowd-pleasers and surprises in store too.”

Among the tattoo’s attractions will be the Trumpeters of Berittener Fanfarenzug Freckenhorst, the Naden Band of Maritime Forces Pacific, the Regimental Pipes and Drums of the Calgary Highlanders, Canadian Scottish Regiment Pipes and Drums, Greater Victoria Police Pipe Band and Canadian fiddle and step dance star, Stephanie Cadman.

The tattoo also includes special skills demonstrations, a 55-voice choir and a 50-strong team of dancers including jive and Chinese dance groups and the Pacific Tattoo’s own Celtic dance team.

Tickets for the Pacific Tattoo are $37.50 for adults, with discounted pricing for children, seniors, groups and military personnel. Tickets can be purchased online at pacifictattoo.ca or from the Bear Mountain Arena box office at 250-478-8384. For more information, go to pacifictattoo.ca.