NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) – The Virginia International Tattoo is one week away. “A Celebration of Freedom” will take over Scope Arena from April 18 to April 21 in a display of music and might.

This year’s event brings together over 800 performers from seven different countries, including the United States, Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Netherlands, Switzerland and Scotland. It features military bands, dancers, drum lines and choirs.

WAVY-TV 10 is a sponsor of this year’s Virginia International Tattoo.

Tattoo Pipe Major, Captain Ross McCrindle and Drum Major Colour Sergeant Rab McCutcheon spoke to Digital Host Sarah Goode at the Digital Desk after they traveled in from Scotland. Watch in the Digital Desk stream in the video player on this page.

They offered a look behind-the-scenes, sharing what it means to be a part of the action. Learn more about the upcoming Tattoo and their experience playing in Tattoos all over the world.

McCrindle and McCutcheon first came to the Virginia International Tattoo in 2013.

Eleven years later, they are excited for the opportunity each year, and the different people the event brings together. Whether you have been to the Tattoo before, or this is your first time, it is always a new and unique experience.

What is the Tattoo?

The Tattoo goes back to a Dutch tradition. Watch McCrindle explain in the clip, below.

Here are the list of performances, below:

  • Thursday, April 18 at 7:30 p.m.
  • Friday, April 19 at 7:30 p.m.
  • Saturday, April 20 at 7:30 p.m.
  • Sunday, April 21 at 2:30 p.m.

Click here to purchase tickets for this year’s performances at Scope Arena.

Events all weekend

Events will also take place all weekend on Scope Plaza. They are free and open to the public.

75th Anniversary of NATO

With the 75th Anniversary of NATO, the weekend has an even more special meaning.

See the Norfolk NATO Festival Flag Raising on Thursday, April 18 at 5 p.m. at Scope Plaza. The event is free and open to the public. Enjoy performances by the U.S. Fleet Forces Band and see representation from all NATO nations.

On Saturday, April 20 at 10 a.m. watch the 71st Annual Parade of Nations in Downtown Norfolk, with over 100 parade units honoring NATO. It is free and open to the public.

The Norfolk NATO Festival International Village will take place after the parade from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Town Point Park. It is free and open to the public.

Rugby Exhibition Match

On Sunday, April 21 from 5-7 p.m. the Rugby Exhibition Match will take place at Powhatan Field at Old Dominion University. The event is free and open to the public.

More information can be found at www.vafest.org, by phone at 757-282-2822, or in person at the Virginia Arts Festival Box Office located at 440 Bank Street in Norfolk.

Stay tuned for more coverage and events leading up to the Virginia International Tattoo and during this year’s festival.