800+ performers prepare for Virginia International Tattoo

NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) — Tickets are available now for the Virginia International Tattoo.

The sounds of horns and bagpipes filled Scope as the team behind the Virginia International Tattoo previewed its 2024 event.

At least 800 performers from seven countries will dominate the arena in April. It is a vast showcase of military bands, dancers, drum lines and choirs. It is the largest show of its kind in the United States.

“Imagine if you went to an old-fashioned Hollywood movie, just an epic movie,” said Scott Jackson, director and producer of the Virginia International Tattoo. “You would have incredible scenery, kind of costumes, great music, great battles. That’s what the Tattoo is like, but you’re seeing it live unfold.”

“We’re bringing together these incredible performers from all over the world,” said Maurice Jones with the Virginia Arts Festival, “all of this being done in Hampton Roads. So it’s an occasion of joy, it’s an occasion of inspiration and it’s an occasion of gratefulness and gratitude.”

The theme for this year is Celebration of Freedom. The 2024 Tattoo recognizes two critical landmarks in our history — marking 75 years since the founding of NATO, and 80 years since the D-Day landings. Though some of these anniversaries can be somber moments, the Tattoo aims to boldly celebrate our nation’s armed forces and its partnerships around the world.

NATO plays a big role in putting on the event, helping coordinate with other nations and provide translators for the people in charge.

“We see a global balance of power shifting,” said Jay Paxton with Allied Command Transformation. “We see a global fight against terrorism as a generational fight. And to address these issues, NATO is fortunate to have critical support here in Norfolk and in the Hampton Roads Community.”

Jackson shared more about the upcoming 27th annual Virginia International Tattoo in a Community Chat at the Digital Desk with Host Sarah Goode. Watch the full conversation in the video player, below.

As part of this year’s event, two high school groups from Australia will travel to Norfolk to perform, 51 ACU Swan Regiment Drums & Pipes and Scots College Pipes and Drums.

“That’s nice because the Tattoo has a lot of young people in our student shows so it’s a great connection there,” Jackson said.

The Virginia Children’s Chorus will also be a part of the show. It will have singers from elementary, middle and high school.

Another element focused on youth, in addition to the four performances for the public, there are two student matinees. 6,300 students can watch the show. There is already a waiting list for one of the shows.

“It’s awesome to see 6,300 students responding to a show, including a lot of students performing,” Jackson said. “That’s great representation.”

Engaging youth in the audience and including youth performers are pieces of the show each year.

Jackson says about 375,000 students locally have either attended the Tattoo or had someone from the Tattoo in their school.

New this year, Switzerland’s Top Secret Drum Corps will perform.

“They are as precise as a Swiss Watch. Unbelievably precise. And, they are the most watched drum line in the world,” Jackson said.

Other countries a part of this year’s performances include, Canada, France, Germany and the Netherlands. There are also multi-national groups.

Jackson highlights everyone in his family stays entertained at the show, from his parents to his kids.

“There’s always a desire on my part that, I want my kids to light up cause they heard something they connected to,” Jackson said. “I want my parents to light up because there’s something they connected to.”

The high energy and dynamic performance catches everyone’s attention no matter their age or seat in the arena.

The Tattoo runs from April 18 to April 21 at Scope Arena, 201 E. Brambleton Ave.

There will be four shows:

• Thursday, April 18 at 7:30 p.m.
• Friday, April 19 at 7:30 p.m.
• Saturday, April 20 at 7:30 p.m.
• Sunday, April 21 at 2:30 p.m.

To purchase tickets for the shows and find more information for the Virginia Arts Festival’s annual event, visit the link here.

The Norfolk NATO Festival coincides with the Virginia International Tattoo. It features events including the Norfolk NATO Festival Flag Raising, 71st Annual Parade of Nations and Norfolk NATO Festival International Village. Click here to find out more.

2023 Virginia International Tattoo gallery

For more information about the Virginia Arts Festival and to see the full calendar of events, visit vafest.org.