Information for Groups and Tour Operators

Introduction

NEW GROUP TOUR BENEFITS JUST ADDED!
Buffet and Bus Parking (see Benefits section below):

We are pleased to welcome you to our Tour and Group Operator Tool Kit page that provides you with all of the materials you require to assist in the marketing and promotion of the 2010 Canadian International Military Tattoo. We encourage you to print this toolkit page as a handy reference.

This Tool Kit page contains:

  1. Important information describing the Tattoo (including this year’s theme).
  2. A list of bands and other performers (confirmed to date).
  3. Important information for booking such as prices and dates .
  4. A link to the Tattoo on-line Photo Gallery and 2010 Theme images.
  5. A link to the Copps Coliseum Seating Plan Diagram.



Tattoo 2010 Marks Two Milestones

Tattoo 2010 proudly celebrates the 100th Anniversary of the Canadian Navy and commemorates the 60th Anniversary of the start of the Korean War with performances taking place in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada on June 12 at 7:30 p.m. and June 13 at 2:30 p.m., 2010.

Sign up for e-mail updates at tours@canadianmilitarytattoo.ca


Introduction and Background

The Canadian International Military Tattoo, formerly known as the Hamilton International Tattoo, is presented at Copps Coliseum, an NHL-sized arena in downtown Hamilton, close to the city’s finest hotels and restaurants. The show is bus-tour friendly, with an average of over seventy-five bus groups attending the performances.

The first show in 1992, known then as the Greater Hamilton Tattoo, celebrated the 125th birthday of Canada, and featured the Musical Ride of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. 2010 will showcase music and tableaus depicting the roles the Canadian military has performed from WWI to to the present as international peacekeepers and full combat soldiers; and will celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Canadian Navy.

The Origins of the Tattoo

The military Tattoo, as we know it today, had its origins in eighteenth-century Europe when British soldiers were recalled to their barracks by a drummer marching through the town. In the Flemish language, the signal was do den taptoe, which means “turn off the taps”, a sign to the tavern keepers to stop serving. In English “taptoe” became “tattoo” and in time the drummer was joined by other musicians and a concert would be played to entertain the local populace— an early exercise in public relations. Over the centuries the tattoo has become a military musical entertainment show and may include many other types of performing acts, both military and civilian. See our What is a Tattoo? page.

A Continuing Tradition

The Canadian International Military Tattoo, with its magnificent castle backdrop, superb lighting and acoustics, is the finest and largest military band show in central Canada. This not-for-profit charitable organization's show is produced annually in the City of Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. The performances showcase international, national and local performers, both military and civilian, including pipes and drums, military and brass bands, dancers, and military drill teams and demonstrations. The Tattoo honors the virtues of military service and the sacrifice of Canadians who fell in her wars and seeks to preserve our nation’s military traditions.

This family-oriented performance of stirring music and pageantry are of great consequence as we continue to educate our children about the continuing role their grandparents, parents, uncles and aunts have played in the building and security of our country.  We work to develop civic pride in our country.

Cultural Groups and Performers

2010 Tattoo LineupThe show will also feature several popular local bands as well as exciting international acts. This year's performers are The Windsor Regiment (RCAC) Band, The Royal Regiment of Canada Band, The Royal Hamilton Light Infantry (Wentworth Regiment) Band, The Band of RCSCC Royal Sovereign, The Black Watch (Royal Highland Regiment) of Canada Pipes and Drums,The Lorne Scots (Peel, Dufferin and Halton Regiment) Pipes and Drums, the 48th Highlanders of Canada Pipes and Drums, The Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders of Canada (Princess Louise's) Pipes and Drums, the Dundas Pipes and Drums, The Hamburg Caledonian Pipes and Drums, Liam McGlashon: The Fiddle Kid and the United States Navy Ceremonial Guard Drill Team. The Schiehallion Dancers, The MacLeod of Lewis Celtic Dancers and The Korean Dance Studies Society Mi Young Kim Dance Company—world-class dancers in brilliant costume, will enhance the music with their classical interpretation of ancient themes. (Program subject to change. Appearance of acts is subject to the exigencies of the service.)


Important Information

It’s a Date!

June 12 at 7:30 p.m. and June 13 at 2:30 p.m, 2010. Each performance runs for approximately 2 and 1/2 hours.

An Invitation

The Canadian International Military Tattoo invites you to join our audience family and help us celebrate Hamilton’s and Canada’s military past and traditions. The Tattoo’s entertaining, family-oriented performances of stirring music, pageantry and military displays are an important reminder to Canadians of the sacrifices that made this great country possible. 

The Canadian International Military Tattoo has been recognized as one of the top 50 events in Ontario for 7 consecutive years! See our Awards and Recognitions page.


Ticket Prices for 2010 – Tickets on sale December 1, 2009

Family Pass (2 Adult & 2 Child): $80.00  
Adults: $32.50
Seniors: $27.00
Students (with student card): $22.00
Children (under age 13): $15.00
Groups (25 or more people):
*Groups of over 25, driver and escort admission is free.
$25.00
Special Pricing for Veterans: $15.00

GROUP BENEFITS (25 or more people are considered for a group)

  1. Driver and escort attend as our guests
  2. Buffet lunch or buffet dinner is available for a rate of $25.00 pp in the nearby Hamilton Convention Centre (and we may even have a piper to bring your group over to the performance!).
  3. And as always, we can assist in accommodations if required
  4. Bus parking is now available at a cost of $50 highway coach and $30 for school bus parking. Please contact the office for additional details or booking.


Show Venue: Copps Coliseum

Copps ColiseumCopps Coliseum is located at 101 York Boulevard in downtown Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. As one of North America's most outstanding venues, Copps Coliseum is a marvel of planning flexibility. The facility is climate controlled year round for comfort and is designed to accommodate a wide variety of events from entertainment, sports and trade shows to conventions, filming and more. Directly accessible from the Hamilton Convention Centre and Hamilton Place, it is easy to get to Copps Coliseum. The facilities are readily accessible via air, rail, public transit, and major connecting highways which lead directly into the city.

Copps Seating Diagram | Directions to Copps Coliseum | Maps | U.S.Visitors

Copps Coliseum
101 York Boulevard
Hamilton, Ontario.
L8R 3L4
Canada


Booking Tickets

Richard Seager and Gail Piché are available at the Tattoo office to assist you in booking your group or tour for the Canadian International Military Tattoo. Contact the Tattoo office at the numbers below:

Phone: 905-523-1753 or 1-888-523-1753
Fax: 905-523-1754
E-mail: tours@canadianmilitarytattoo.ca
Mail: Canadian International Tattoo Association
101 York Boulevard
Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
L8R 3L4

Additional Resources for Groups and Tour Operators

If you would like to access our gallery of photos from past Tattoos to use in your marketing information package please go to the downloads page. Photos are offered copyright free for the purposes of advertising our event.

Download the Web version of our 2010 Rack Card (1.24 MB PDF).

Need hotel and dining information? Check out our Accommodation and Dining page.