Memorial News

The Australian War Memorial proud to host Australia Day tribute by UK massed bands

10/09/2004 - As Australians prepare to mark the 90th anniversary of the Gallipoli landings and the 60th anniversary of the end of the Second World War, the Australian War Memorial is proud to be the venue for a tribute to Australians on Australia Day by military bands from the United Kingdom.

Over 300 performers, in Australia as part of the Edinburgh Military Tattoo at Aussie Stadium, will come to Canberra on Australia Day for the 'Australia Day Tribute' performance.

"Those 300 performers, plus another 900, will present The Edinburgh Military Tattoo "A Salute to Australia" in Sydney on 3, 4, 5, 7 & 8 February."

Canberra City Pipes and Drums at the Australian War Memorial.
AWM PAIU2004.158.02

The performers have an impeccable musical and military pedigree with members of the Band of Royal Marines, the Scots Guards and the Royal Air Force and the Queens Colours Squadron expected to perform in Canberra.

The natural amphitheatre of the Memorial's parade ground will provide a stirring setting for their performance.

It is particularly fitting that the Australian War Memorial hosts this Australia Day Tribute as virtually all the units that these performers represent have served alongside Australians in conflicts throughout the world.

The Memorial is joining the Australia Day in the National Capital Committee, ACT Government and along with the Australian Capital Tourism Corporation to stage this Tribute performance. The Australian Defence Force is also supporting the event.

The Director of the Australian War Memorial, Steve Gower, is pleased that so many sections of the Canberra community have come together to make this event a reality. "This is a unique cooperative joint venture to bring a fantastic event to the Canberra region" he said.

To entertain the public the Memorial will extend its opening hours until at least 6.45pm and display large collection items normally held in storage.

All Canberrans are invited by the Memorial to pack a picnic and bring along their friends and families to enjoy this spectacular performance by massed bands from the United Kingdom.

The Australia Day Tribute by the UK massed bands, pipes and drums, will commence at 7pm on January 26. Entry is free and tickets are not required.

For more information about and tickets to the Sydney performances by the full complement of the Edinburgh Military Tattoo, please visit www.edinburghtattooinaustralia.com.au