Capital to Host Intn'l Military Bands Tattoo

New Delhi, Mar 13 (UNI) The India Gate lawns shall pulsate to martial music -- and more -- later this week as Military Bands from India and four other countries gather here to celebrate the Indian Air Force's Platinum Jubilee.

As part of celebrations to mark the 75th year of the formation of the IAF, Air Force/Military Bands of India, United States, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Singapore would be performing in the capital on March 17 and 18, Air Marshal JN Burma, Air Officer-in-Charge (Administration) told mediapersons here today.

The Indian Air Force -- which entered its Platinum Jubilee year on October 9 last -- has planned various events for the remaining one year period to commemorate its 75 years of glorious service to the Nation.

And one of the highlights on the event-card is the 'Platinum Jubilee Tattoo' -- with Air Force Bands from Sri Lanka, Thailand and the US besides the Defence Services Band from Singapore participating along with the bands of the Indian Army, Navy and Air Force, Air Marshal Burma said.

Styled on the international format, the programme will have the bands presenting an outdoor performance on March 17 and an indoor performance -- for special invitees -- the next day.

The March 17 performance -- commencing outdoors at 1600 hours at India Gate with two shows planned -- shall first have a marching performance by the bands moving around the 'Amar Jawan Jyoti'. The bands will perform for a period of 12 minutes each prior to an interim break.

Subsequently, at 1800 hours, the bands will reassemble at the 'Amar Jawan Jyoti' with the performance comprising popular tunes including swinging Jazz and Rock components.

This performance is slated for 15 minutes per band.

And both performances at the India Gate are open to the public.

The indoor performance -- next day -- is scheduled to be held at the NCC Auditorium at Delhi Cantonment where Defence Minister AK Antony shall be present as Chief Guest.

The performance will have a medley of tunes played by each foreign band while the bands of the three Indian Armed Forces will give a combined performance. Each band will play for a period of 15 to 20 minutes.

UNI