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 page that provides you with all of the materials you require to assist in the marketing and promotion of the 2011 Canadian International Military Tattoo. We encourage you to print this toolkit page as a handy reference.



Tattoo 2011 Theme To Be Announced

Tattoo 2011 will be taking place in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada on June 25 at 7:30 p.m. and June 26 at 2:30 p.m., 2011.

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. Past productions have showcased 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 celebrated 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 will be announced shortly. (Program subject to change. Appearance of acts is subject to the exigencies of the service.)


Important Information

It’s a Date!

June 25 at 7:30 p.m. and June 26 at 2:30 p.m, 2011. 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 2011 – Tickets on sale December 1, 2010

Family Pass (2 Adult & 2 Child to age 13): $100.00 Copps Coliseum
Adults: $40.00
Seniors: $30.00
Students (with student card): $30.00
Children (to age 13): $20.00
Special Pricing for Veterans: $20.00
Cadets (in uniform): $15.00
Groups (25 or more people):
*Groups of over 25, driver and
escort admission is free.
$30.00

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

  1. Driver and escort attend as our guests
  2. Buffet lunch is available at a rate of $30.00 pp in the nearby Hamilton Convention Centre.
  3. And as always, we can assist in accommodations if required.
  4. 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

Contact 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 ext. 224
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 2011 Rack Card (JPEG or PDF).

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