Promising a first class extravaganza, Home Affairs Minister Terry Lister yesterday laid out the details of next month?s Bermuda Tattoo.

The Bermuda Tattoo, which was inspired by Bermuda?s much lauded involvement in the 2003 Edinburgh Tattoo, will cap off not only the Regiment?s 40th year but will commemorate Bermuda?s quincentennial in high style.

?All roads will lead West,? to the Keep Yard of the Royal Naval Dockyard, Minister Lister said at a press conference yesterday.?This is an event which promises to be the most spectacular the Island has seen in in years.?

Over two evenings ? October 21 and 22? and before a total expected audience of 4,800, the Tattoo will showcase eight bands and dance troupes, including the band and bugles of the British Light Division.

And a rendition of the 1812 overture, complete with cannonade, and a majestic fireworks display? will bring the tattoo to a stirring end?, Major Barrett Dill, the Regiment?s Director of Music, said.

The 36 piece Jamaican Defence Force Band and the 50 performers of the Amalgamated Metropolitan Toronto and Ottawa Police Pipes and Drums will be performing alongside Bermuda?s Regiment Band and Corps of Drums and the Bermuda National Gombey Troupe and Steel Pan, played by Robert Symonds.

The Regiment was especially thrilled to announce that Canada?s Schiehallion Dancers will be visiting the island for the event, Maj. Dill said. The 34 members of the Scottish dance troupe were befriended by the Bermuda contingent at the Edinburgh Tattoo. And with their visit, Maj. Dill said, the Bermuda Island Pipe Band and Dancers can expect to learn ?some of the intricate dance steps from the Schiehallion dancers?.

Minister Lister said that the Bermuda Regiment was owed a special debt of gratitude for ensuring the safety of the Island during national emergencies, their services in official functions, but most of all, he said, for the positive impact the force has on the personal development of the thousands of young men and women who pass through Warwick Camp as recruits.

And with a price tag of more than $600,000, Minister Lister said that the Regiment was very thankful for the support it had received from corporate sponsors, such as the Bank of Bermuda Foundation which has contributed $100,000 to the event.

Government has also contributed $164,000 and other private sector donors have pledged an additional $100,000

The remainder of the costs will be covered by tickets sales.

Tickets are already on sale, and range from $40, for bleacher style seating, to $75 tickets which covers stadium style seats and free transport, via ferry from Hamilton to Dockyard.

Tickets are available on line at the www.boxoffice.bm, and are expected to be sold out by the end of the month, Lt. Col. Eddie Lamb said yesterday.