History

This paragraph describes in brief the history of The Netherlands Military Tattoo.

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In 1952 the Koninklijke Militaire Kapel (KMK) (Royal Military Band) together with the Tamboerkorps van de Garde Grenadiers (Grenadiers' Drum band) participated in the largest Tattoo in Scotland: the Edinburgh Military Tattoo. The Dutch bands were conducted by R. van Yperen. Once back in Holland, they told enthusiastically about this first "tattoo experience" and they were struck by the idea: "we could also organize something like that". After all many military bands, brass bands, and drum bands -all of a very high quality-were present in the Netherlands. Therefore, it should be very easy to organize our own "national tattoo", even without foreign participation.

In 1953 after attending performances of military bands, amongst which The Royal Miltary Band, at the Royal Military Academy in Breda, the Minister of Defence was convinced of the value of such a Tattoo. Supported by lighting effects (some tricks picked up in Edinburgh) a tattoo atmosphere was created. The Minister of Defence was impressed. In the same year the Royal Military Band performed in a similar concert in the centre of the old Dutch town Delft at the market place (Markt) and thus the foundation of a "National Tattoo" were laid. In 1954 The National Tattoo started under the name of "Tattoo Delft". The event came about on the ancient market place (Markt). At first, this tattoo had a purely military character and was mainly national-oriented. Its organization was carried out by the Dutch Armed Forces (under the auspices of the Inspection Military Music). 

The Tattoo's intention was to present once a year the complete military music and the various branches of military service of the Dutch Armed Forces to a broad public. In this initial phase, participation was reserved exclusively for Dutch military professional bands, some drum bands and brass bands, all of them usually consisting of conscripts. Frequently, a military drill (for example a ghost platoon) was part of the programme. With a total of 21 shows this "Tattoo Delft" existed until 1974.

After this, The National Tattoo moved to Breda, a city with a wealthy military tradition. The Royal Military Academy has its seat in that city. Because of this moving it appeared not to be possible to organise the event in the year 1975. As from 1976 The National Tattoo has been held in Breda. At first on the grounds of the Royal Military Academy, then at the Chassé -barracks and during the last years on the grounds of the Trip van Zoudtlandt-barracks. The 50th edition of this sensational music spectacle took place in 2004.

After this golden jubilee the National Tattoo was due for a move once more. Currently motivated by expenditure cuts by the Ministry of Defence and the urgent need to develop into a Tattoo festival. In 2005 The National Tattoo was held as an indoors-event for the first time in the city of 's Hertogenbosch.

In 2006 The National Tattoo moved again, this time to the city of Rotterdam, where the event, keeping its character of an indoor-show, was held in the Music and Sport-arena 'Ahoy’ Rotterdam’. On the occasion of the first National Tattoo in Rotterdam in 2006, the Tattoo introduced its international name: The Netherlands Military Tattoo. The event is meant to stay in Rotterdam.