onthegogo

Would like to hear from anyone who has been to a Tattoo in Canada -- where was it, how did you like it, etc. Our first choice is to travel to Edinburgh for the Edinburgh Tattoo in August - never been, and can't make it this year. But do have the time this year to go to Canada to see one -- if its pretty good. I saw the website for the Nova Scotia one, but it looked like there were only 1 or 2 actual bagpipe bands -- and the rest is acrobats or something. Would like to hear your experiences. Thanks alot.

laurafromtexas

I've heard the Halifax tattoo is fantastic, though I've never seen it. It does seem, however, to have somewhat of an upscale circus atmosphere mixed with Scottish performances, judging from the video on the tattoo's website. (Click on "Click for Video" at bottom of page at http://www.nstattoo.ca) For a purely Scottish experience, attend the Highland Games in Antigonish, Nova Scotia, on July 15-17, which features Highland dancing, heavy events, a fun parade, and multitudes of pipe bands, all of which converge on the field at one point. I attended in 2003 and it was fabulous! For more info, go to: http://www.antigonishhighlandgames.com/
If you do go, make sure to eat at the Sunshine Cafe on Main St. in Antigonish, which features delicious and inventive food.

laurafromtexas

xxx

laverendrye

Although nothing compares with the Edinburgh Tattoo, for a North American event, the Glengarry Highland Games in Maxville, Ontario (an hour or so from Ottawa) is certainly worth seeing.

It is the home of the North American Pipe Band Championship, last year with more than 60 bands. It features a tattoo on the opening night, and a massed band performance to close. It also features many other competitions in piping, highland dancing, fiddle, and highland games.

It's usually held the last weekend in July or the first weekend in August.

Check their website at http://www.glengarryhighlandgames.com/

HogtownJim

There is the Toronto Police Tatoo on August 30, 2005.

Top Canadian bands include

1) the Royal Highland Regiment (Black Watch)
(http://www.blackwatchcanada.com/en/bands.htm),

2) SECOND BATTALION, THE ROYAL CANADIAN REGIMENT, PIPES & DRUMS
http://www.geocities.com/Pentagon/9750/

3) The Royal Canadian Regiment band is a brass and woodwind band but can play everything from chamber music to jazz.

In addition, numerous Canadian police forces have pipe and drum bands including the Winnipeg Police Pipe and Drum and the Toronto Police Force Pipe and Drum

Finally, there is the RCMP musical ride.

See http://www.torontopolice.on.ca/tattoo/

For the origin of the word tatoo, see
http://www.torontopolice.on.ca/tattoo/tattoo.php

for Tickets, see
(http://www.ticketmaster.ca/event/1000398ee799d194)

onthegogo

Thank you all for the great information you've provided -- I'm saving it all and am hoping to make it to all of them eventually. Agree Laura about the little bit of 'circus' atmosphere -- even at the Edinburgh Tattoo - from the videos of recent ones I've seen. Our interest really is hearing the pipe bands which we love. Have any of you seen the Simon Fraser Pipe Band which has a great winning record at the world competition in Scotland? We were lucky enough to see them in our home town one year and wonder why they don't play more. By the way, LaVerendrye, I went to a school with the same name....you too? Would be fun if you did. Again, Thanks Laura, LaVerendrye and HogtownJim!