Gombeys and the Bermuda Regiment band entertained thousands over the weekend at a Virginia Tattoo.

Seventy-five performers took to the stage Friday evening for the largest military tattoo in North America.

The Virginia International Tattoo in Norfolk is part of the Virginia Arts Festival, which is celebrating America's 400th anniversary this year.

Minister of Community and Cultural Affairs Wayne Perinchief visited the group during their final dress rehearsal on Friday afternoon.

He was joined by Permanent Secretary Ellen-Kate Horton and Senior Officer Heather Whalen. Also in attendance, and sporting his pink Bermuda shorts, was Tourism Board Chairman E. Michael Jones.

The Friday night performance from Bermuda was set to start with the H&H Gombeys, followed by the Band and Corps of Drums. Also performing were the Bermuda Islands Pipe Band and the Portuguese Cultural dancers.

Captain Dwight Robinson, director of music for Bermuda Regiment Band, said it was fitting that the Island should be involved as its founding and history are closely linked to the early settlers in Virginia. The shared history led the Bermuda contingent to chose the theme 'The Ties that Bind'.

Captain Robinson said: "The theme not only represents our historic relationship with Virginia over four centuries, but it is a fitting description of Bermuda's own unique cultural development and speaks to our success in working together as one."