Virginia International Tattoo 2024 A Celebration of Freedom 

April 18-21, Norfolk Scope Arena 

The 2024 Tattoo features a once in a lifetime cast of 800 performers from seven nations, headlined by the incomparable Swiss Drumline – Top Secret!   

NORFOLK, VA. The Virginia International Tattoo returns April 18 – 21 in Norfolk, Virginia! The heartbeat of the 2024 Tattoo will be its incredible international cast featuring more than 800 performers - with bands, drill teams and more from the U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps joined by civilian and military performers from seven nations. You will see returning favorites including Switzerland’s Top Secret Drum Corps and the Marine Band of the Royal Netherlands Navy and first-time performers that are sure to become new favorites. Not to be missed are the Massed Pipes and Drums from four nations who will be joined by the incredible Virginia International Tattoo Highland Dance Company. 

The soul of the 2024 Tattoo will be an emotional and grateful Celebration of Freedom, 80 years from the D-Day landings and 75 years from the founding of NATO. This Tattoo will remind us that as Americans, we have helped write some of the greatest chapters in the story of human freedom. With stirring music, historic photos and video, tributes from US military bands and appearances by special guests, we will remember and celebrate the men and women who have safeguarded freedom not only for the United States, but for the world. 

The longest day of the week for the Tattoo cast and crew is our Tuesday rehearsal day. It is at least a 12-hour day for everyone involved and the very last scene that we rehearse is the Tattoo Opening, which includes “The Star-Spangled Banner.” And every year as the Drum Major calls “Present Arms”, every member of the Tattoo team stops whatever they are doing and stands. And one by one, our guests who are sprinkled throughout an almost-empty Scope Arena, stand in recognition of the level of respect that exists for our National Anthem and for the military. That respect lives at the heart of the Tattoo and is why we are known far and wide as the most patriotic of the world’s great Tattoos.”  - J. Scott Jackson, Producer/Director 

Tickets are available and on sale now at www.vafest.org, by phone at 757-282-2822, or in person at the Virginia Arts Festival Box Office located at 440 Bank Street, Norfolk, VA 23510.  

What is the Tattoo?  

The centuries-old tradition of Tattoo originated as a signal from drummers instructing Dutch innkeepers near military garrisons to “Doe den Tap-too” or “turn off the tap”. Hearing the call “Tap-too” soldiers would return to their barracks for an evening roll call. The ensuing parade of soldiers evolved into a military marching band performance now known worldwide as “Tattoo.” 

The Tattoos seen across the world today are ceremonial performances of military music by massed bands. Each Tattoo is influenced by the culture of the country they represent.  Fans of these massed spectacles of music and might flock to the world's great Tattoos: Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo in Scotland, Basel Tattoo in Switzerland, and Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo in Canada. But the greatest Tattoo in the United States, and rivaling the largest in the world, is the Virginia International Tattoo.  

Attending the Virginia International Tattoo:  

When:  Thursday, April 18, 7:30 pm  

Friday, April 19, 7:30 pm  

Saturday, April 20, 7:30 pm 

Sunday, April 21, 2:30 pm 

 Where: Scope Arena, 201 E. Brambleton Avenue, Norfolk, Virginia 

Tickets and Information: www.vafest.org, by phone at 757-282-2822, or in person at the Virginia Arts Festival Box Office located at 440 Bank Street, Norfolk, VA 23510.  

Stay up to date: Follow the Virginia International Tattoo on social media platforms @VaTatt and subscribe to our Virginia International Tattoo YouTube page for the latest and greatest content, behind-the-scenes, cast takeovers, and more!  

Virginia International Tattoo 2024 Participating Nations 

AUSTRALIA  

51 ACU Swan Regiment Drums & Pipes 

Scots College Pipes and Drums  

CANADA 

Highland dancers 

FRANCE 

XV du Pacifique Army Rugby Team 

MULTINATIONAL 

Virginia International Tattoo Highland Dance Company 

GERMANY  

Musikkorps der Bundeswehr 

NETHERLANDS  

Marine Band of the Royal Netherlands Navy 

SWITZERLAND  

Top Secret Drum Corps  

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA  

Andy’s Tartan Army  

Camden County Emerald Society Pipes and Drums  

Granby High School Naval Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps  

Hampton Roads Police Color Guards  

Norfolk Fire-Rescue Honor Guard  

Old Dominion University Concert Choir  

Tidewater Pipes and Drums  

U.S. Air Force Heritage of America Band  

U.S. Air Force Honor Guard Drill Team  

U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command Herald Trumpets  

U.S. Marine Corps FAST Company  

U.S. Navy Fleet Forces Band  

Virginia Children’s Chorus  

Virginia Symphony Orchestra Chorus  

*Subject to changes and additions.   As of 1.18.2024  

About Virginia International Tattoo The Virginia International Tattoo is located in the Coastal Virginia city of Norfolk - home to the world’s largest Navy base, NATO’s only North American headquarters, and the largest population of active duty and retired military in the United States. With our “home port” in these waters, it is no surprise that our Tattoo is widely known as the most patriotic in the world.  

About Virginia Arts Festival  
The Virginia Arts Festival celebrates its 27th Anniversary in 2024. The largest and most prestigious performing arts organization in southeastern Virginia, Virginia Arts Festival has transformed the region's cultural scene, presenting great performers from around the world and making this historic region a cultural destination for visitors from across the United States and around the world. Over the past 26 years, the Festival has welcomed visitors from all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and 25 foreign countries. The Festival has presented over 1,438 performances, free community events, and student matinees and workshops with a reach of over 1.2 million attendees. Each season, millions more are reached through international broadcasts of Festival performances on American Public Radio's Performance Today, nationally on PBS TV, and regionally on WHRO TV. Over 32% of ticket sales come from outside the region, bringing tens of thousands of visitors to local museums and attractions and filling regional hotels and restaurants. The estimated annual economic impact of the Festival exceeds $25 million.  

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Media Contact: 
Alli Pereira 
apereira@vafest.org  
757-282-2804