The 19th edition of Avenches Tattoo will take place from September 4 to 6 at the Swiss National Stud Farm. Prestigious bands will be performing, with nearly 500 musicians from around the world.
Under the theme “Celtic Horizons”, this year’s edition will showcase both internationally renowned ensembles and talented artists from the Swiss music scene.
Paris Fire Brigade Band – France
Since the 19th century, this band has played a major role in enhancing the image and reputation of the Paris Fire Brigade. Today, it is primarily involved in military ceremonies and internal events, and also performs for the French Army General Staff, the Paris police force and the City of Paris. In 2024, it took part in the Bastille Day parade. With over 200 appearances each year, in France and abroad, it continues to showcase the Brigade’s values and excellence.
Latvian National Armed Forces Army Orchestra – Latvia
The Latvian National Armed Forces Army Orchestra was founded on February 3, 1992, and it is one of the most recognizable Latvian National Armed Forces units. In Latvia, the orchestra is commonly known to perform at important celebrations and events. The orchestra performs multiple functions—ceremonies, parades, and festivals, as well as orchestra and ensemble concerts. Since its inception, the orchestra has participated in many international and globally revered military music festivals.
This summer in Avenches, it will present a bold program featuring beatboxing on the sousaphone.
Majesticks Drum Corps – Switzerland
Founded in 2011, Majesticks Drum Corps is a drum and percussion ensemble from Switzerland. Known for its impressive synchronicity and visually striking performances, the group blends tradition and innovation. Their original repertoire and innovative staging have seen them perform at a variety of events in Switzerland and abroad, including France, Germany, Liechtenstein, Malta and Northern Ireland. In 2024, it had the honour of representing Switzerland at the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo.
Swiss Armed Forces Conscript Band 16-2/2025 – Switzerland
This year, nearly 80 talented young musicians from all over Switzerland will perform with the Swiss Armed Forces Conscript Band 16-2/2025. Their training begins in late June in Aarau, under the musical direction of Major Philipp Werlen. The choreography for the show will be created entirely for Avenches Tattoo 2025.
Massed Pipes and Drums – United Kingdom
Led by William Jordan and Bryon Brotherton, both former musical directors of the renowned Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, the Massed Pipes & Drums will thrill audiences with the powerful sound of pipes. The formation brings together three ensembles from Scotland and Ireland.
Hjaltibonhoga ”The Shetland Fiddlers” – Scotland
The group was formed in 2014 at the request of Brigadier David Allfrey, Chief Executive of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo after he had visited Shetland and wanted ‘the energy of traditional fiddling’ on the show. Shetlander, Margaret Robertson MBE took on the challenge of finding and training fiddlers to meet the standard required. 2025 sees a new dawn for the group. The ethos is still the same, welcoming players to enjoy learning and performing traditional music.
The Trippers – Switzerland
The Trippers was formed when two siblings, along with a childhood friend, decided to bring their music to the bars of the Vevey region. Since then, the band has reinterpreted Irish anthems and standards, as well as classic rock and pop hits. Their sound has evolved to include electronic elements combined with the acoustic instruments of their early days, offering an energetic and eclectic repertoire. The band has been touring French-speaking Switzerland for six years, building its presence and success on the local music scene.
Lucerne Marching Band – Switzerland
The Lucerne Marching Band is the parade formation of Feldmusik Luzern, which has represented the city of Lucerne in Switzerland and abroad for over 100 years. Dressed in historic blue and white uniforms, this band takes part in major events and parades. It has performed in notable tattoos, including those in Berlin, Belfast, Basel, and Avenches.
Franches-Montagnes Horses – Swiss National Stud Farm
Since 1899, the Swiss National Stud Farm (SNSF) has been focused on the conservation and improvement of Swiss horse breeds. It is the Confederation’s center of expertise for equines, integrated with Agroscope research and affiliated with the Federal Office for Agriculture (FOAG). The SNSF plays a key role in preserving and evolving Swiss horse breeds, contributing to the excellence of the national equine sector.
This summer, the legendary Franches-Montagnes horses will perform a unique equestrian show at the Avenches Tattoo, specially created for the event.
Grand Finale
The Grand Finale, composed by Etienne Mounir, will bring together all the performers in a particularly rich moment. For this occasion, they will be joined by over fifty singers from across the Canton of Vaud, gathered together in the mixed choir La Voix Des Chênes of Rueyres.
