From 31 May to 4 June, the first edition of "Belgian International Tattoo,” a military festival organised by Belgian Defence, will take place in Mons.
The "Tattoo", a term used to describe military music festivals, was originally planned for 2020 but had to be postponed twice due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Out of the five Belgian cities where the event will take place, Mons will the first city to host the open-air "Tattoo" on its Grand Place.
This year’s theme is “Value of the Freedom”, which is an “important topic”, in consideration of what is currently happening in the world.
“We are convinced that the power of music will move everyone and convince them, even more, to reflect on the value of peace and freedom,” the Ministry of Defence stated in a press release.
The Ministry of Defence announced that four military bands, of which three are foreign, will perform at the Tattoo: The French band the Bagad de Lann-Bihoué, The Representative Central Band of the Polish Armed Forces (Poland), The 2D Marine Division Band (USA) and the Royal Band of the Belgian Navy. In total, 150 musicians will be part of the show and will be enhanced by video images and a light show.
Authorities such as Belgian Minister of Defence Ludivine Dedonder, Governer of the Province of Hainaut Tommy Leclerq, Mayor of Mons Nicolas Martin and many others are expected to attend.
The opening of the stands in Mons will take place on Tuesday at 19:20.
