Cardiff Searchlight Tattoo Massed Bands

Description

Introduction
The Cardiff Searchlight Tattoo which originated on a small scale in 1963 was the largest British military Tattoo presented. After its opening in 1963 it was decided that it would be held in alternate years yet due to its large success in 1968 a special Tattoo was held in 1969 to commemorate the investiture of His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales who was to honour the Tattoo by taking the Salute at the performance on 4th August. The Tattoo was held in the setting of Cardiff Castle which was ideal as it was traditional with its Norman Keep and spacious green lawns.
In the 1964 Tattoo, which took place on the 31st August there were several bands involved, including the Welsh Guards and the Welch Regiment. The number of bands over the next three years would increase along with the popularity of the Tattoo. For the Tattoo’s next performance in 1966, there were several more bands playing including the Welsh Guards, the Royal Welsh Fusiliers, the South Wales Borderers, the Welch Regiment and the Junior Soldiers Band from the Depot Cwrt Yr Gollen. The Director of Music at the time was a Captain H.A. Kenney Welsh Guards. By 1968 he had become Major H.A. Kenny. The Tattoo that year once again consisted of several Welsh bands such as the Welsh Guards, the South Wales Borderers, the Royal Welch Fusiliers and the Junior Soldiers Band from the Depot Cwrt Yr Gollen. Although only the Welsh bands have been listed there were several other bands and performers involved with the Tattoo.