The Bermuda Tattoo started and ended with a bang as fireworks and cannons practically shook the walls of the Maritime Museum.

Hundreds gathered in attendance to watch the show, which featured marching bands from countries that included Canada, Barbados, the Azores, as well as Bermuda.

Following the opening fireworks there was traditional piping and drumming featuring the Island Pipe Band alongside the Cameron Highlanders of Ottawa, the 1st Battalion Scots Guard and the Fredericton Society of St. Andrews Pipe Band.

The Bermuda Island Pipe Band dancers joined the band on the grounds of the keep, entertaining the crowd with traditional dances. They were followed by the Military Band of the Azores, which was performing at their first international tattoo. The band awed the crowd with a wide variety of musical styles.

The Governor General's Foot Guard came next, joined by the Cameron Highlanders, demonstrating precise and elaborate movements across the yard.

The Royal Barbados Police Force Band brought the crowd to its feet with several upbeat tunes, including a performance of "Tequila," while the Scots Guards followed with the theme from the movie "Gladiator."

The smallest of the bands, The Bermuda Regiment Band made a big impact, opening with horns from the walls of the keep and closing with their version of the song "Mamacita" by Collie Buddz.

The US Army Silent Drill Team followed the hometown band with an amazing display of skill as the soldiers spun, flipped and threw their 1903 Springfield Rifles, complete with bayonets.

Between the various acts was a performance by United Dance Productions and a race between members of the Bermuda Regiment and Police officers, in which the Regiment soldiers won by a narrow margin.

The shows finale brought all the performers back out for several more songs as the Regiment's 25-pound guns fired, filling the keep with smoke.

After the performance was over, visitor Janet Evans from Boston called the show a great time, but a bit loud.

"If I knew how loud it was going to be, I probably would have just listened from the ship," she joked.