It was a beautiful, clear evening with only a few stars peeping through the haze of the Johannesburg sky. There was a slight chill in the Spring air, so we wrapped ourselves in our jackets and waited patiently for the show to begin. The attractive architectural background of the MONTECASINO skyline was all lit up for the big event There was hardly a breeze in the air and, thankfully, no sign of rain either.
After a light supper at one of the many restaurants at MONTECASINO, the "Boss" and I made our way to the outdoor arena and grandstand. It is the perfect venue for a Tattoo and there was a buzz of excitement in the air. A number of stalls selling souvenires were dotted along the pathway.
We stopped to chat to an old friend - our daughter's Irish/Highland dance teacher. It brought back happy memories of various Celtic dance competitions and pretty costumes. One of her pupils was performing to a gathering audience along the pathway. What dazzling, precise footwork!
Finally, we made our way to our seats in the grandstand. Can you believe it, we were in the front row! It was a packed/sold out audience. Relaxing/jovial music pumped across the loudspeakers and we watched the clock on the clock-tower move closer and closer to 8pm. Excitement was building!
Well, I'll let the photos speak for themselves. The line up of events was world-class. Well done to the Executive producer - Simon Carter, the general manager of MONTECASINO - Glenn Joseph, the production team and musical director, the organisers, various bands, drummers, dancers, Johannesburg Youth orchestra, and over 600 Tattoo participants. It was a privilege to attend this event. Thank you! Let the games begin...
FANFARE...
THE PIPE BANDS ENTER THE ARENA...
CODE RED DRUM CORPS...
THE INCREDIBLE DRUM MAJORETTES OF ST. DOMINIC's SCHOOL FOR GIRLS...
PERFORMERS FROM THE SOUTH AFRICAN POLICE SERVICE BAND TSHWANE LEAVE THE ARENA...
THE TALENTED PERCUSSION TEAM OF TEN DRUMS FROM TAIWAN...
DANCERS ENTER THE ARENA FOR A DANCING FACE-OFF BETWEEN HIGHLAND AND IRISH DANCERS...
THE PERFORMANCE OF THE NATIONAL CEREMONIAL GUARD...
THE STARS OF THE NIGHT:
THE AMAZING 'TOP SECRET DRUM CORPS' FROM BASEL, SWITZERLAND
(Get ready for something incredible!) :...
(Get ready for something incredible!) :...
THE FINALE OF MASS BANDS FEATURED OUR OWN SOUTH AFRICAN BAND
'JUST GINGER'
(Unfortunately no photo - I was videoing :) )
All I can say is WOW!
Thank you to all the 600 performers who provided such wonderful entertainment. I would LOVE to attend this event again, although I believe (sadly) that it may be the last to be held at MONTECASINO. Where will it be next year? Who knows?
Sending lotsaluv
3 comments:
Hi Maxmom, I'd say that had to be an awesome event. I bet it was really loud.
That's incredible. I thought it was just Edinburgh that had a Tattoo. I went once, many years ago. The setting was spectacular, with the castle in the background, but I have to say I didn't need to see another pipe band for quite a while after sitting through the three plus hour display. (I guess pipe bands lack novelty value in Scotland, or maybe I just don't have enough Scottish genes to appreciate them properly!)
Cheers, Gail.
Ps I think I am 1/32 Scottish, from the ancestor whose surname I carry. The remaining 31/32 is, as far as I am aware, all English!
Hi Maxmom, JP got the chance to see that drum group here! Do you believe it? They came with Angus Buchan, a pastor from S. Africa who we love, who held a Men's conference about 30 minutes from us. They are so talented, their performance is seamless.
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