(The following is a news release from the Vancouver Police Pipe Band.)
The Vancouver Police Pipe Band is performing in the 2010 edition of the Basel Tattoo, the second largest event of its kind in the world.
The official Basel Tattoo started in its present location in 2005. In five years, it has quickly grown to become the second largest production of its kind, second only to the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo in Scotland. Bands and performers from around the world put on 11 shows over the course of eight days to sold-out audiences of 9000 people per show. The popularity of the Tattoo was evident when tickets were sold out the day they went on sale.
The Vancouver Police Pipe Band was first approached by the Basel Tattoo organization while performing in Italy in 2007, but other commitments prevented them from taking part.
The Band was honoured by the Director of the Massed Pipes and Drums, retired Captain Stuart Samson, who positioned them on the right flank of the parade, a position reserved for the senior band.
“We were humbled by this gesture,†says Constable Cal Davis, the Band’s Pipe Major, “especially when one considers we were standing on parade with several Royal Regiments from Britain.â€
The Band has gone Beyond the Call, supplying pipers and drummers to two military bands who found themselves short-staffed due to sending members to the war effort in Afghanistan.
Thirty-two members of the Band are taking part, with the costs covered entirely through band performances and corporate donations. The Tattoo runs from July 17th to 24th.
Once again, the Vancouver Police Pipe Band has brought recognition to the Department, the City of Vancouver and Canada.
For more information about the Vancouver Police Pipe Band, visit their website.