Getting Acquainted

The Netherlands Military Tattoo is a colourful indoor-show around Dutch military music, in which marching music, modern and classical, is presented. Show, tradition, topical matters, leisure and reflection alternate in the show. The Tattoo is held once a year at the end of September / beginning of October. During the five-day lasting event, the two-hour show will be presented seven times.

The Tattoo's first aim is to present Dutch military orchestras and sections of the Dutch military forces (Royal Netherlands Navy, Royal Netherlands Army and Royal Netherlands Air Force) in a joined show to a broad audience. Not only to present the music as such, also to depict the Dutch (military) history and military tasks within the framework of the show.

For each show, the organisation reflects on any topics from the Dutch history that can be emphasised during the show. Therefore history plays an important role in writing the programme for the show. The Netherlands Military Tattoo tries to contribute to the knowledge of our domestic history, and in keeping that history alive with the audience. Current historical moments, such as sentinels and other remembrances, can play an integral part in the program.

The Dutch military bands frequently participating in The Netherlands Military Tattoo are:

Furthermore, there are always at least one military band from abroad and one or more Dutch civilian bands participating in the show. The organisation strives for a massive and impressive co-performance of as many bands as possible. Besides all of this, the show leaves room for dancing groups, folklore, acrobatic acts, flag shows and more.

Thanks to the combination of military and civilian participants, The Netherlands Military Tattoo has developed into an extremely varied show while keeping its military character. The phenomenal light show guarantees the audience to experience a show gripping from beginning to end.

Please click on Internationalisation to get an overview of the foreign military bands that participated in The Netherlands Military Tattoo during the last years.