The Birmingham International Tattoo
National pride, local heart, unforgettable show!
From the Massed International Marching Bands, to the Field Gun competition, to the Massed Parade of Standards, to the Dog Display and much more, there is something for all the family during the Birmingham International Tattoo on Saturday 20th February at 6pm and Sunday 21st February 2027 at 2pm.
Details below will be updated as new information becomes available.
Marching bands 2027
The International Marching Bands
One of the highlights of the 2027 Birmingham International Tattoo will be the massed international marching bands. Each band will perform individually before joining forces in the spectacular Grand Finale, where over 1,000 performers take to the arena floor together — a wall of sound and colour that has to be seen and heard to be believed.
Marching band 2027
British Army Military Band
The lead British Band will be announced soon.
Confirmed marching band 2027
Fanfare Korps Nationale Reserve (FKNR)
Established in 1987 as a drum corps, FKNR has continually evolved—first into a marching band and later into a full fanfare band. This distinctly Dutch style combines the power of a brass band with the rich addition of flugelhorns and saxophones, creating a unique and versatile sound. 2027 marks FKNR’s 40th anniversary, making their appearance in Birmingham an especially meaningful celebration.
Confirmed marching band 2027
Tveit Union Musikkorps, Norway
Renowned for their military-style precision marching and a musical programme, Tveit Union Musikkorps is based in Kristiansand, in the south of Norway. In addition to performing concerts, the band is best known for its marching displays. Their musical program varies from traditional Norwegian music to well-known film music and modern pop music. The band has performed at major Tattoos across Europe. The 2027 Birmingham International Tattoo will be their first visit to the West Midlands and they will premiere their new 2027 show.
Confirmed marching band 2027
The Combined Pipes and Drums
Adding the unmistakable sound of the pipes to the Tattoo, the Combined Pipes and Drums brings together representatives from some of the region's finest pipe bands for a truly stirring display. The combined ensemble draws on the talents of the Shirley Pipe Band, the West Midlands Fire Service Pipe Band, Birmingham Irish Pipes & Drums, Bideford Youth Pipe Band, the Black Watch Association Pipe Band, and the Wolverhampton Pipe Band. Together they will fill the arena with the powerful, emotive sound of the pipes and drums.
Confirmed marching band 2027
The National Marching Band
Bringing together musicians from across the country, the National Marching Band draws its members from individual marching bands nationwide, all of whom adopt the style of the British Military. The Band represents the very best of the next generation of marching talent. Many of its member bands are active within the Scout and Guide Association, the Boys and Girls Brigade, and the Church Lads and Church Girls Brigade, reflecting the deep roots that marching music has in the youth organisations and communities of Britain.
Guest vocalists 2027
The Bluebird Belles
The Bluebird Belles are the Midlands’ own vintage vocal harmony trio – known for their dazzling harmonies and timeless repertoire spanning the 1940s through to the present day – will bring a touch of nostalgia to Britain’s biggest indoor tattoo. The Bluebird Belles are no strangers to honouring Britain’s military heritage. Since 2015 they have performed to countless audiences nationwide and overseas, and have sung at some of the largest and most popular 1940s and vintage events.
Grand Finale 2027
The Lone Piper
One member of the combined pipe band will be honoured with the prestigious role of Lone Piper during the grand finale — stepping into a single spotlight to perform a lament as the eyes and ears of the entire audience fall silent in tribute. It is a moment of quiet power in the midst of a spectacular show; a deeply moving tribute to all those who have served, and one of those rare live performance moments that stays with an audience long after they have left their seats.
Spectacular display 2027
RNRMC Field Gun Competition
At the Birmingham Tattoo, gun crews from the Royal Navy, the Army and the Royal Air Force will perform many of the actions that have become part of this competitive activity, including the need to unlimber the items, carry the gun, wheels and limber - approximately one ton in total, the weight of a family car - and fire the gun at the end of the run. Please cheer on the teams as they race for the honour of being the fastest team at the Birmingham International Tattoo.
Spectacular display 2027
Parade of Massed Standards
The Tattoo has become one of the few occasions in the UK where you can see such a massed collection of standards together. As well as the Royal British Legion and Royal Air Forces Association, we are also pleased to welcome the Federation of Birmingham Ex-Service Associations which has about 40 member associations from the armed services regimental associations, and various campaign associations.
Spectacular display 2027
British Flyball Dog Display
Flyball is a team relay race with four dogs in each team. The object of the race is for each dog to jump four low hurdles, trigger a 'Flyball Box', catch the tennis ball and return over the jumps to the start and finish line. As soon as the first dog is back the second can go, and so on until all four dogs have returned with their balls. The first team to have all four dogs back without fault wins that particular race.
Spectacular display 2027
United Kingdom Freestyle Display Team
Adding an explosion of energy and colour, the UK Freestyle Display Team brings together talented young dancers for a show-stopping performance. These enthusiastic performers rarely get the chance to showcase their skills to large audiences, making the Tattoo a truly special occasion. Expect a vibrant, high-energy routine that perfectly complements the pageantry and spectacle of the wider show, and a reminder of the fantastic role dance schools play in keeping young people fit, focused and passionate about the performing arts.
The Ministry of Defence Cadet Forces
The MOD sponsors and supports five cadet forces on parade at the Tattoo, including representatives from the Sea Cadet Corps, the Volunteer Cadet Corps, the Army Cadet Force, the Air Training Corps and the Combined Cadet Force. For many of these young cadets, appearing will be one of the most memorable experiences of their cadet careers, a vivid demonstration of the discipline, pride and commitment that cadet forces instil in young people. A fitting reminder that the traditions of service and dedication celebrated at the Tattoo are being passed on to a new generation - and are in safe hands.
The Birmingham Tattoo Arena Party
For over 20 years, King Charles I School Combined Cadet Force (C.C.F.) has provided Arena Support for all groups involved in the show at the Birmingham International Tattoo. The Arena Party is comprised of pupils aged between 13 and 18 from King Charles I School Kidderminster. Cadets are primarily responsible for taking equipment into and out of the arena and making sure all acts enter and leave at the correct times. They are the glue that holds the show together.
The Wreath of Respect
The Wreath of Respect was commissioned by an anonymous donor to commemorate the centenary of the start of World War One, and to show appreciation for all those affected by conflict, irrespective of race, creed or colour - created to promote remembrance, respect and reconciliation. Hand-crafted from steel, the wreath weighs around 10lb and features nine poppies surrounding a horse-shoe and the Exhortation, and is for all nations. It is a reminder, amid all the spectacle and celebration of the Tattoo, of the profound human cost of conflict and the importance of honouring those who gave so much in service, ensuring that the spirit of remembrance remains at the very heart of the event.