STRATFORD SUMMER MUSIC HOSTS THE LARGEST TATTOO EVER IN STRATFORD THIS AUGUST 1.

Bands from Canada and Denmark converge on Stratford in the days prior to the Tattoo and will perform on August 1st under the guidance of Tattoo Senior Director of Music, Major Gino Falconi. Beginning with a fly past of 1941 Harvard Trainers, the Tattoo will also feature fanfares, colour parties and a mock section attack as well as music from seven bands and a Lament played by Pipe Major Ed Neigh. Nora Smith, 2005 Provincial Speech Arts Winner from the Ontario Music Festival Awards, will recite In Flanders Field; her reading will highlight the 90th Anniversary of this famous poem, written in 1915 by Col. John McCrea of Guelph, Ontario.

A full list of participants include a Canadian Harvard Aircraft Association Fly Past, the Royal Canadian Legion, Army, Navy and Air Force Colour Party & Veterans under the command of CWO Art Boon MMM, SBStJ, CD with the Perth County Pipe Band and led by Pipe Major Dave Nicoll; the 48th Highlanders of Canada, Pipers, Drummers & Dancers, led by Pipe Major CWO A. L. (Sandy) Dewar MMM, CD; the Band of the Royal Regiment of Canada under the direction of 2nd LT William Mighton, CD, Director of Music; The Tivoli Boys Guard Band from Tivoli Gardens, Copenhagen, Denmark, led by Svend Kragelund, Director of Music; Soldiers of the 4th Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment with the permission of Lt. Colonel Brock Millman CD, Commanding Officer; Canada’s National Band of the Naval Reserve, directed by LT (Navy) Floyd Hall, Director of Music; the Ontario Massed Legion Pipes and Drums, led by Pipe Major Ross Baxter; Pipe Major Ed Neigh, Winner, Dunvegan Gold Medal in Piping, Sky Highland Games, Scotland and the Sea Cadets, Gunners and Band, HMCS Ontario with the permission of Commander John Pirrie CD, Commanding Officer.

The Senior Director of Music for the Tattoo is Major (Ret) Gino Falconi, SBStJ, CD and the Senior Drum Major is Larry Fullerton. The Tattoo Designer is John Pennoyer, and the Production Manager is Craig Putt. Tattoo Director is Simon Marsden, a Board Member of Stratford Summer Music. Announcers Eddie Matthews & Rob Wreford, of CJCS 1240/107.7 MIXFM, will provide commentary.

Earlier in the day, The Mayor’s Parade featuring Veterans in Classic cars, a Colour Party led by W.O. Art Boon and the majority of bands performing in the Tattoo will begin at 11:00am at Downie and St. Patrick Streets. Moving north on Downie Street to Ontario Street, then east on Ontario Street to Waterloo Street (Tim Horton’s corner), the parade will then head down Waterloo Street to Lakeside Drive, and end at the Kiwanis Community Centre. Reserve your space early and enjoy what promises to be an exciting event this Civic Holiday.

For further information, please contact Rachael Goddard, Marketing Manager, Stratford Summer Music, at 519 271 2101 or rgoddard@stratfordsummermusic.ca