A stunning fireworks display was the finale last night to an international all-star pageant of military music.

The Band and Corps of Drums of the Royal Bermuda Regiment (RBR) was joined by military bands from the UK, Canada, Jamaica and the United States for the opening night of the RBR’s 50th anniversary tattoo.

The audience lapped up the different musical styles on offer, from the Combined Bands of the Jamaica Defence Force and their Caribbean flavour to the US Marine Corps 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing Band from North Carolina, who had a Hollywood-themed ‘Star Wars’ medley.

The RBR got one of the biggest cheers of the night as they continued the silver screen theme with a ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ set.

The show also featured pipes and drums from Scotland’s famous Black Watch, the 3rd Battalion, The Royal Regiment of Scotland, and pipers from Bermuda and Canada.

Michael Smith, 41, a software developer from Warwick, attended the Tattoo at the Keep Yard with his father, a retired Major in the Regiment.

“It was great — I enjoyed it. I’d probably say I liked the US Marines with Jamaica second. I had a great time, he said.”

Teacher Siani Nester, from Paget, watched her husband Matthew perform with the specially formed Bermuda Tattoo Choir.

Ms Nester, 39, said: “It was a lot better than I expected. I’m a ‘Star Wars’ fan, so probably the US Marines were my favourite.

“There were children behind me and they were absolutely enthralled. There were people older than me in front of us and they really enjoyed it as well.”

Regiment Commanding Officer Lieutenant Colonel Michael Foster-Brown said: “It was spectacular. I am very proud of the band and all the other performers.

“This is a great venue and people have been coming up to tell me how much they enjoyed it.”

Jane Brett, the acting director of the Department of Human Affairs, from St David’s, said: “It was excellent — I love the pipes. My mother was Scottish, so it’s very emotional.”

A highlight for her was watching goddaughter Robin Selley, 7, who was part of the Highland dancing display.

“I’m very proud of her and she performed very well,” she said. “The Jamaica Defence Force was great, but there were all good.”

Major General Richard Cripwell, the British defence attaché at the British Embassy in Washington, jetted into Bermuda specially for the show.

He said: “The way they brought all the variety and the talent together was remarkable and to do so in such a short space of time was impressive.

“All the performers should be very proud of themselves.”

Private Nicassa Megeit, 26, a trombone player with the Jamaica Defence Force, said: “I enjoyed the whole thing. Going out there with an audience really motivates me.

“I look forward to representing Jamaica in Bermuda.”

Sergeant Tammy Shaw, who sang a solo of the poem ‘In Flanders Fields’ as part of the band of the Governor General’s Foot Guards, who performed with the pipes and drums of Cameron Highlanders of Ottawa, said: “It was a great show.

“It had international musicians and we’ve told all the people we have met in Bermuda to come to the show. There was a lot of talent and a lot of fun today.”

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