Birmingham Tattoo

now then the above photo looks a bit spooky to me, if you look at it it looks like you can see music symblos!
the Grand Finale
the Lone Piper

Right we went to the Birmingham Tattoo and unfortunately i think me camera was playing up, took loads of photos but they didn't come out.

History lesson for you.

"Tattoo" is the traditional signal, given originally by drum beat, and latterly by bugle or trumpet call, which warned British soldiers to return to their quarters for the night. The innkeepers turned off the liquor taps and the drums continued to beat for half an hour, during which time the soldiers were allowed to make their way home. The custom developed into a ceremonial performance of military music by massed bands a few hours after sunset.

The Present Day.

Gradually 'Retreat' and 'Tattoo' were embellished from time to time adding more drummers and musicians who played cheerful tunes. Bands were added and 'Tattoo' became a display of bands by torchlight to entertain the garrisons. leading to the idea of a 'Tattoo' as a military pagent.

'Retreat' has remained a display by a Corps of Drums with bands added on special occasions. It still has a military use - the Queen's Regulations lay down that guards are to turn out at 'Retreat' for inspection bu the Guard Commander. 'Retreat' is ow usually sounded on a bugle in barracks.

There endith the lesson!