An “honour and privilege” to perform at the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo

The three-night production saw a tri-service military band show-off their musical skills, alongside a 100-person Guard of Honour with Standard parties for each Service. Staff were also embedded to liaise between the bands and organisers at the venue.

The Chief of Defence Force, Air Marshal Tony Davies, took part on the second evening as the Salute Taker, formally receiving the salute from the massed military performers during the Tattoo.

The historic event showcased the theme ‘The Heroes Who Made Us’ and the NZDF rose to the occasion with a range of music linking the traditions and history of the wartime years with the modern and agile Defence Force serving today.

Squadron Leader Nicky Douglas took command of the Guard of Honour and said performing in the Tattoo was a career highlight.

“You see it on TV and you don't expect that in your military career you're going to have the opportunity to participate in an event this large. It's one of the biggest events of recent times that we've participated in.”

It was an amazing chance for a number of junior members of the military to be able to take part in the Guard of Honour, Squadron Leader Douglas said.

There were a few opportunities to mingle with performers from other countries, but practice times before opening night were tight, with just a few days to perfect the routine, she said.

“Two days before the show we heard the music we were marching onto Eden Park to and were able to spend an hour with the Tattoo’s creative director Alan Lane. And the day before the first show, we were able to get onto Eden Park for a proper rehearsal and then a dress rehearsal that night.

“While I think everyone was a little nervous prior to each show, they put it all out there and did their very best. The whole team did a fabulous job performing in front of about 90,000 people in the audience over three nights.”

This was the second time Squadron Leader Douglas has taken part in a major military performance – the first in London as a Corporal in the Battle of Britain Parade commemorating the 50th anniversary of the battle.

“So it was an honour and a privilege to be the Guard Commander for this event.”

Drum Major Warrant Officer Ben Robertson said the opportunity to perform at a large event in New Zealand was amazing.

“Especially being able to do it with so many friends and family in the audience,” he said.

“It was great to work alongside our colleagues from the Navy and Army during our tri-service display and also a wonderful chance to catch up with our friends from the Royal Australian Air Force and Royal Air Force bands.

“I was really proud of the way our band operated in a Regular Force environment, especially when we had to lead a large portion of the cast back onto Eden Park for a massed bands item. I hope it won’t be another 10 years before the Tattoo makes its way down under again.”