That's the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo over for another year and what a run it's been. The final week saw the second group of players settle more into the show. This meant they could start seeing more of the acts between Hjaltibonhoga's parts in the show - timing any viewing with the cues for getting ready to go back on is a skill! Beautiful weather meant the wet weather fiddles thankfully stayed in the cases and it made for some brilliant views over the castle and Edinburgh. This year His Majesty The King’s Guard of Norway were the winners of a broadsword awarded to the group who have made the biggest contribution to the show throughout the run, voted for by the cast. Hjalti have enjoye
Wow week 3 already and it’s all change in team Hjalti! About half the band has gone home and been replaced with new players. With little more than 24 hours between the new player’s arrival and their first show – Monday was always going to be a busy one. Tunes in the morning, formations & finale line ups in the afternoon and show at night – and relax first show done! Week 3 is a big one as the BBC is here. This show is filmed over 3 nights and broadcast to approaching about 1 billion people worldwide – no pressure! Not only do we have the cameramen to worry about but we also have to make sure that our hair, make up, and jewellery is the same every night! A group of our players entered the Tat
Now into our first full week of shows, it's been a busy few days for Team Hjalti. The first weekend had an unusual number of show changes due to the King and Queen of Jordan attending the second show on Saturday. This second show was also very windy which led to interesting moments with bows, shawls and flying music cards from the massed bands! We enjoyed ourselves at the Cast Barbecue on Sunday - a chance for all the bands to get together and socialise. A highlight was the New Zealand army band playing live. Tuesday saw us in Glasgow for a mini tattoo and a reception in the City Chambers. Last night we performed our first ever show without Margaret playing with us. The Fiddle Major watc
The first few days of the 2016 Tattoo was packed with rehearsals. Some with the massed bands, pipes and drums and dancers. Thursday night was the press preview performance and our first full go at the show. Both the show and castle were amazing and it was great to perform to a full audience. Now for the 'real' shows! Here's a few photos, mostly taken by our brilliant house parents:
