Belfast International Tattoo 2026: Northern Ireland prepares for unforgettable celebration of military music, dance, and heritage
The Belfast International Tattoo is returning to the 02 Arena, Belfast tomorrow for a spectacular showcase of music, precision, and tradition, brining together world-class performers from across the globe.
Once again, the event promises an unforgettable celebration of military music, dance, and cultural heritage, over Friday and Saturday night this week.
The programme brings together local and international performers for two nights of military music, culture and pageantry, combining military bands, massed pipes and drums, precision performances and contemporary entertainment.
SSAFA, the Armed Forces Charity, has been chosen as the Tattoo’s featured charity for 2026.
Robert Dunne MBE, Branch and Regional Chair for SSAFA Northern Ireland, said: Robert Dunne MBE, Branch and Regional Chair for SSAFA Northern Ireland, said: “One of the most important messages we can get across is that support is there and there is no shame in asking for it. Here in Northern Ireland, our volunteers give their time to listen, understand what someone needs and help them find a way forward."
He added: “Being chosen as the featured charity for the Belfast International Tattoo gives us a fantastic opportunity to make more people aware of that work. There will be thousands of people under one roof who care deeply about our Armed Forces community, and we want them to know who SSAFA is, how we can help and, perhaps, how they could become part of what we do.
SSAFA has been helping the Armed Forces community – regulars and reserves, serving or retired, and their families since 1885. To volunteer or fundraise for SSAFA, or to seek support, visit the SSAFA website and search for “SSAFA near me”.
Following is an overview of the acts taking to the stage at the O2 Arena this year:
• The Maghery Fife and Drum Band, a marching band founded in 1945 from Dungloe in Co Donegal.
• Precision Team Phoenix artistic roller skating team, which has spent over a decade perfecting its skills.
• Schomberg Fife and Drum, hailing from Kilkeel, is a renowned re-enactment band since its formation in 1998.
• The Norwegian King’s Guard Veterans Band and Drill Team, founded in 1986 to preserve the traditions of His Majesty the King’s Guard.
• Desertmartin Accordion Band, formed in 1961, which started its journey by playing beautifully arranged hymn tunes.
• Kathryn Stewart’s Highland Dancers & Display Team is a two‑time consecutive winner at the NI Dance Awards.
• Aughafatten Coronation Accordion Band, an award-winning marching band based in the Braid Valley near Broughshane, County Antrim.
• The Juliana Bicycle Team, a visually captivating artistic cycling team with origins dating back to 1909 in the Netherlands. The American Originals Fife and Drum Corps, a distinguished US ensemble dedicated to preserving the musical traditions of early America.
• Altnaveigh Memorial Pipe Band, based in County Down, which has a proud and enduring history within the pipe band community.
• The Riverina Highlanders which draws its members from across southern New South Wales and north-east Victoria — an area collectively known as the Riverina.
• Aughnaskeagh Silver Band from near Dromara. Records show that there has been a band in the area since 1894, when a local flute band first formed.
Tickets for the Belfast International Tattoo are still available here: www.belfastinternationaltattoo.com/tickets