The Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo back in Halifax

Cast of the Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo prepare outside before the first performance of the week. (CTV/Brianne Foley)

The Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo kicked off the 47^th season on Wednesday.

“It’s a huge honor for us, we as a band with the alumni band for colleagues back in Sydney, Australia,” said Pipe Major, Graham Robinson with The Scots College Old Boys Pipes and Drums.

“For us, it’s an opportunity to really represent that college and represent Australia more broadly. More than that, the tattoos give the school students the ability to move into becoming the alumni band and see a vision for them, where they actually can continue to play beyond year 12 and sort of for the rest of their life. So, it’s a platform for more than us to perform. It’s creating a pathway for future generations of the college.”

As per tradition, it will run Canada day week, until Sunday, with shows at 7 p.m. on Thursday and Friday, and at 2 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.

“I’ve been with the Delta Police Pipe Band for about ten years now. The band was formed in 1971, and we were this ancient Smith tartan in honor of Mr. Smith, who was a captain at the time that formed the pipe band,” said Pipe Major Corey Tillyer.

“We played at many tattoos around the world, and we were here in 2004 was the last time. I think it’s the third time we played Nova Scotia, but we really love about it is the East Coast, West Coast Connection and being able to stay in Canada, on Canada Day and playing the parade here today was a real honor for us to be able to do that on the East Coast.”

This year’s cast consists of over 1,200 participants, and it’s a family affair for some.

“I’m the choral director for the tattoo,” said Patricia Tupper. “And my daughter Kate here has continued in the legacy that I created. I created the children’s choir in 1984, and my daughter Kate is continuing the tradition this year with the children’s choir. And she’s conducting the scene that they’re doing this year.”

Tupper’s roots got back deep, and she’s proud to continue to share the tradition with her family.

“I was a choral conductor in university and I graduated from university, and in 1984 I was asked to create a choir,” she explained. “My father was a friend of Colonel Fraser’s, way back when. My father was a naval captain, and they got together in ‘79 and decided it would be wonderful if we could have this military connection with the tattoo.”

“And in 1983 they created the adult choir, and in 1984 I created the children’s choir. And all of my children have participated in the choir, there’s a picture of her (Kate) she was in the womb. And the same with my little granddaughter, Lillian. So, it’s her first year in the children’s choir.”

With Canadian Pride top of mind, everyone involved is excited for this years Tattoo.

“Elbows up Canada for sure,” laughed Tiller. “Even when we’re playing, we think about the elbows up. Staying in Canada and being able to play in Canada was important to us, especially this year.”

“It’s always so special to be a part of and just to contribute to like Nova Scotia’s legacy and the show and carrying that on and making it known for everybody,” added Kate Haley, daughter of Patricia and conductor for the Tattoo Children’s Chorus this year.

“I think it actually means something special to me because I’m both Australian and Canadian,” added Robinson. “So, my family is from Ottawa. It’s great to be back here. Haven’t been back to Canada since. Since I formed in the Nova Scotia International Tattoo back in 1996. So, it’s 30 years since I’ve been here, and it’s a great opportunity to reconnect.”

Known for performances of marching bands, acrobats, dancers and military displays, there is always something for everyone at the Tattoo.

For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page