History

The Tattoo was originally a military drum call. It dates back to the seventeenth century when British drummers in the Netherlands were sent out into the towns to order the soldiers to return to barracks. This was known as Doe den tap toe and signalled the innkeepers to ‘turn off the taps’, stop serving beer, and send the soldiers home. Over the centuries, the process became more of a show and gained a large following; the first Swedish tattoo was held in the 1970s and in 1999, following three years of preparation, the first Ystad International Military Tattoo took place.

The obvious location was the parade ground of the vacated Ystad Barracks; the last regiment, the 4th Anti-Aircraft Artillery, having left in 1996. The tattoo is a biannaul event and the 2009 tattoo will be the sixth in succession. The Band of the Ystad Territorial Army unit was responsible for organising the first tattoos but since 2005, an association of volunteers has taken over the management responsibilities. The tattoo committee is made up of representatives from the business sector, the Territorial Army, defence volunteer groups and the Band of the Ystad Territorial Army. In 2006, the Friends of the Tattoo were established as a support organisation for the Ystad International Military Tattoo. Click here to find out more about the Friends of the Tattoo.

From the very beginning, the organisers and participants have set their sights on realising a tattoo that offers relevant music, dynamic and colour with spectacular lighting – the classic Edinburgh Tattoo has been the benchmark. By being faithful to these ambitions the Ystad International Military Tattoo has quickly gained recognition as one of the leading tattoos in Europe.

Parts of the proceeds of the events organised by Ystad International Military Tattoo go to charitable organisations in the Ystad area.