Two years ago, the Games’ prestigious Friday Night Tattoo had all the makings of one of the best with the Next Generation Leahy set to take the stage as the headliners. Just before the much-anticipated show began, a terrific thunderstorm and driving rain sent the thousands of fans running for shelter. For all those disappointed fans, this year’s Tattoo sets out to make it right with the announcement that the Next Generation Leahy will once again headline the Friday Night Tattoo on August 2.
This incredible Celtic band of brothers and sisters all under the age of 16 will take to the stage and present a show that some have said is not so much a performance as an experience and one you won’t soon forget. The Leahy family are multi-instrumentalists playing everything from fiddle to ukulele to accordion and more while incorporating Celtic music, jazz, swing, French-Canadian step-dancing and even a cello. Their performance will be nothing short of remarkable both in talent and in energy.
Before the Leahys take the stage, the crowd will already be cheering from the Pre-Games concert with the Glengarry Massed Fiddlers celebrating their 40th anniversary. Then the show takes over the infield with the famed MacCulloch Dancers performing the massed highland fling. Always a welcome part of every Games Tattoo are this year’s Guests of Honour, the Brigadoons, whose unique sound resounds with every Glengarrian. The Tattoo keeps on offering more talented performances including Glengarry’s Campbell Trio whose combined sound is something to experience. Then the Canadian Armed Forces Pipes and Drums of the Ceremonial Guard and the massed pipe bands fill the field as they present an awe-inspiring military tattoo. The night is capped off with one of the best firework displays to be found anywhere and the audience leaves the grounds with the echoing sounds and sights of another memorable summer’s evening outdoor festival.
