The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo has celebrated its strong international ties by welcoming the Republic of India’s Chief of the Naval Staff, Admiral Sunil Lanba to Edinburgh and to the castle home of the world-famous military extravaganza.
The Admiral joined Tattoo Producer and Chief Executive, Brigadier David Allfrey at Edinburgh Castle on Friday as part his four-day visit to the UK. Admiral Sunil Lanba was met by the Brigadier Allfrey and given a traditional Scottish welcome at the Castle Drawbridge by Senior Pipe Major Ross McCrindle before a tour of the battlements and dinner in the Officers Mess.
Each year, the Tattoo brings together nations from around the world – with tickets sold to more than 90 nationalities in 2018 – and this visit is a further example of the strong international ties the spectacle is working to establish year-round as it grows its brand ever increasingly abroad.
Performers from the Indian Navy last visited Edinburgh in 2017 as part of the Tattoo’s celebration of the 70th anniversary of India’s independence, and yesterday’s meeting gave the Tattoo the opportunity to explore with India’s most senior Admiral, the opportunities for future collaborations.
Brigadier David Allfrey, Chief Executive and Producer of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, said: “We are all about bringing people together to experience each other’s culture, to build trust and explore opportunities. The Show has a fabulous track record of celebrating our individual and collective identities and marking common heritage.
“India and Great Britain have so much shared history and hopefully a wonderful shared future. It has been a privilege and a pleasure to host Admiral and Mrs Lanba in Edinburgh as part of their visit to the United Kingdom.”
Admiral Lanba said: “We have been beautifully looked after by Defence, the Armed Services and the Tattoo on this trip. We have enjoyed a range of interesting and purposeful discussions. The moments in Edinburgh with the Tattoo and the great Castle have added special colour and warmth.
“We are all seeking to operate in a connected world where so many challenges and opportunities are shared. It pays huge dividends to understand different perspectives and come together as friends.”
Commodore Saxena, India’s Naval Attaché for nearly three years in London added: “I was thrilled to work with Brigadier David and his team to showcase the Indian Navy Band at the Tattoo in 2017 and we have formed close bonds with him and his organisation.
“The live and TV audiences have so enjoyed the colour, vibrancy and precision of our Naval Band and I hope this might lead to further exchanges in the future.”
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