NEW DELHI: The Indian Navy Band will for the first time participate in the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, an international event of military music performance undertaken by the Armed Forces.

The event is the largest tattoo performed in the world in the majestic, sprawling stretch of Edinburgh Castle Esplanade, Scotland.

The Indian Navy Band will participate and perform in this prestigious event scheduled from 1 to 26 August 2017.

An official release said this was seen as a befitting recognition of the professional prowess of the Naval band. The participation of the Naval Band would further cement the ties between the two countries, more so, when the Govt of India and UK have announced 2017 as the India-UK Year of Culture to celebrate cultural ties and the 70th year of Indian independence.

The Indian Navy Band has been practicing in the last few months to further hone their skills to capture the hearts and minds of the music enthusiasts in this international event.

The band comprising of one officer and 65 musician sailors would perform under the leadership of Commander Vijay Charles D’Cruz, Director of Music (Navy) who would be the Principal Conductor during the event.

The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo is well renowned event with over 50 bands participating, and nearly 8500 visitors attending the daily performances. A total audience of nearly 2,50,000 attends the event over the period of 26 days. Apart from India, bands from countries like Australia, France, Germany, Japan, etc, would also be performing at the tattoo this year.