Bermuda Regiment soldiers are going down under this week to take part in an international police tattoo.

The Band and Corps of Drums of the Regiment leave the Island on Thursday for the Commonwealth Bank International Police Tattoo 2008 in Adelaide, southern Australia.

Thirty-three musicians and two support staff are taking part in the 12-day trip to rub shoulders with performers from around the world including Australia, New Zealand, Tasmania, Spain, Estonia, the Cook Islands and Poland.

The Regiment's music director Captain Dwight Robinson has developed a programme reflecting a nautical history theme for the nine-minute performance at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre.

Capt. Robinson said the trip was also an opportunity to nurture younger members. "Importantly for the band and the battalion is that one of our younger members will be travelling with us," he said.

"In time to come, he may become an active regular member of the unit. It is an investment in the sustainability of the band."

Lance Corporal Jason Sukdeo, a trombone player, said: "Travel to Australia is an exciting opportunity in itself. But to be able to perform as well is a privilege.

"Despite Australia being the home of the world's most deadly animals, I'm sure it will be an invigorating experience."

Event director Senior Sergeant Paul Evans, of the South Australia Police, said: "The South Australian Police Tattoo team are delighted that the Bermuda Regiment Band has accepted their invitation.

"The invitation was issued following an evaluation of an extensive list of military and police overseas and national bands that had applied to perform at the event.

"The team expect the Bermuda Regiment Band to bring cultural diversity not seen before in Adelaide to the event through their own style of music and marching.

"The Bermuda Regiment Band has already performed at other international events and the Commonwealth Bank Police Tattoo event will be enriched because of the presence of their performance."

The biannual event runs from May 2 to 4 and the soldiers return to the Island on May 7. To find out more visit www.policetattoo.com.