Police, youth bands part of military tattoo

The Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) has invited the Fiji Police Force and the National Youth bands to be part of the RFMF and band centennial celebration next month at the ANZ Stadium in Suva. Chairperson of the organising committee, Commander (Navy) Lepani Vaniqi said the bands would perform march displays.

“Only the RFMF Brass Band will take part in the military tattoo,” Commander (Navy) Vaniqi said.

Military tattoos are always performed at night under lights.

“If you look at the Edinburgh Tattoo, the light show gives the performance by the bands an extra edge. Such events are television spectaculars in Europe,” he said.

“Similarly we have roped in the assistance of light specialists from abroad. We can say that these people have been involved in big time shows abroad like Coldplay. So you can imagine what we hope to put up.”

The December 8 programme starts at 3pm, with entertainment from local bands.

Commander (Navy) Vaniqi said the Third Battalion of the Fiji Infantry Regiment (3FIR) would be performing. There will also be a Hapkido demonstration and other self-defence programmes.

Meanwhile, the RFMF Band has been rehearsing almost on daily basis as there would be no room for error during the tattoo.

“For us, we are now rehearsing almost on a daily basis. There is no room for errors when we perform in December,” band leader Captain Semiti Gade said.

“Each act is precise and like clockwork. We must display our best. And to ensure that we are practicing, we are taking only a few engagements this month.”

Ticket prices

Tickets will be on sale soon. Tickets are selling at $30 for grandstand, $20 for the concrete embankment and $10 for the grass embankment. Children under eight years are free for the embankment only. Gates will open at 2pm.