If you travel to Basel between July 19 and 27, the whole world is practically at your feet. It's tattoo time and the city on the Rhine is basking in international glitter. "I am very happy to be welcoming the crème de la crème of the music and show world to Basel again next summer," announces producer Erik Julliard. 1000 performers will flood the Kasernenareal with dance, sound and three-four time. Familiar greats will meet new faces.
The slogan for this year's Tattoo is "From America to Australia". The United States Army Field Band from Washington D.C. is coming to Switzerland for the first time. They are "old hands" in their home country, performing around 400 gigs a year and taking part in many prestigious ceremonies. "This formation doesn't actually perform abroad," confirms Erik Julliard. They make an exception for the Basel Tattoo. The children's and youth choir One Voice Children's Choir also travels from America, with around 60 of the 180 singers. They turned out to be a hit at home: the troupe reached the quarter-finals of "America's Got Talent", performed at the White House and have 4.78 million YouTube subscribers.
Another crowd favorite is likely to be the Big Bike Orchestra from Poland. Behind it are six unusual artists on an XXL bicycle - they want to get visitors going with their musical skills and a pinch of comedy.
The members of the Australian Army Band have already won hearts in Basel in 2011, 2014 and 2017 thanks to their rocking sounds and moving songs. Their AC/DC closing number is unforgettable. The Aussies will be back in 2024 - with the OzScot Highland Dancers "in their luggage". They are among the best in their field and impress with their almost breakneck dance moves. With a total of five formations, Australia will be performing on the Rhine with concentrated musical power.
The world tour continues. Acts from Asia are also represented. Singapore is sending the Singapore Police Force Band. This band combines Asian precision with British influences. The members are full-time police officers.
The Swiss Armed Forces Brass Band, with top brass players from the Swiss brass band scene, has traveled less far. The Basel Tattoo Guard and the Basel Tattoo Choir are also local heroes. The 200 bagpipers and drummers of the Massed Pipes and Drums also have a Swiss presence. These are an integral part of the Basel Tattoo and are made up of ten pipe bands from Canada, South Africa, Great Britain, Australia, New Zealand, Malta, Singapore and Switzerland. They are all part of the traditional Scottish act. Catchy tunes, the sound of bagpipes and soloists with powerful voices are sure to get your skin crawling.
"Once again, we have succeeded in putting together a program with many highlights, from America to Australia," says Erik Julliard, looking forward to July. As always, visitors to the Basel Tattoo can also look forward to a colorful supporting program: the popular Tattoo Street outside the arena will serve as a food mile and meeting point for fans and guests. Another highlight is the Basel Tattoo Parade, which transforms the city center into a colorful street festival on July 20. The Basel Tattoo - a unique festival for young and old.