The second evening rehearsal for the Cape Town Military Tattoo 2013

Tonight was the second run-through of the entire show, and the levels of excitement – and stress – behind the scenes were running high. The previous night, I had run out of energy, after a long hot day on my feet, and so I had missed the second half of the show. Tonight, I was determined to stay until the end.

While waiting for the proceedings to start, I was delighted to see my fellow photies of the previous years’ tattoos suddenly appearing in the Kat archway, and walking across the parade ground. We greeted each other jubilantly, compared camera gear, caught up on each other’s lives, and strategised. The two of them have since created two Facebook photo albums, on which they are posting pictures of the show every night: Brent’s photo album and Lorraine’s photo album.

Here are some of mine of this evening’s performance. As always, click on any of the pictures to access the slideshow with captions.

The SA Navy Band sets the mood during the Prelude

MWO Karel Minnie, the RSM of Regiment Oranjerivier, checks his watch – he is time-keeper

The Castle Guard with the halberds stand ready, as the bell tolls

They have locked the Castle Gates, and now deliver the key to the Castle Commander

Fanfare

The flagbearers have raised the flags of the countries in which South African troops are currently deployed for peacekeeping

It’s the flags of South Africa, the Sudan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Mozambique

The Massed Pipes and Drums

SA Air Force Band

SA Navy drummer

Massed military bands

SA Navy singer

Captain Vernon Michels of the SA Army Band Cape Town

Intensive drumming!

The drum major of the SA Air Force Band is awesome!

The luminous drum stick routine of the SA Navy Band

Ushers from Chrysalis Academy enjoying the show

SAMHS Band

SA Air Force Band

SA Navy Band

SA Navy Drum Major

SA Navy

Staff Sergeant Andrew Imrie raises his hand to indicate the firing of the cannons during the 1812 Overture

Flag bearer

Capt Francois Morkel with his ceremonial sword

SA Army Band Cape Town

The troops from the Cape Town Highlanders

Cape Town Highlanders drummers