An Unforgettable Evening of Military Tradition and Spectacle Inside the Historic Fort Walls
Kingston, ON, July 22, 2025 – The Fort Henry Tattoo made a thunderous return on Saturday, July 19, thrilling a near-capacity crowd with a breathtaking evening of military music, pageantry, and tradition. With 1,573 tickets sold, just 27 shy of a full house, guests were treated to a powerful display of precision, pride, and performance inside the iconic walls of Fort Henry National Historic Site.
This year’s Tattoo delivered a stunning celebration of military music and pageantry, featuring some of Ontario’s most acclaimed bands. The event culminated in a stirring massed bands performance and a breathtaking fireworks finale inside the historic walls of Fort Henry National Historic Site.
“It’s always an honour to bring the Fort Henry Tattoo to life,” said Mark Bennet, Programming Supervisor at Fort Henry. “This event connects people to the music, precision, and pride of our military traditions. Seeing so many people gathered in awe and appreciation, it’s incredibly moving.”
From the moment gates opened, guests were immersed in an evening of spectacle and tradition. The Hastings County Concert Band serenaded early arrivals, while military vehicles from the 21 Electronic Warfare Regiment were on display for hands-on exploration. Select historic rooms in the Lower Fort were also open for self-guided tours, adding a rich layer of historical context to the festivities.
Featured Performers Included:
- Royal Canadian Air Force Pipes & Drums – Ottawa, ON
- Royal Hamilton Light Infantry Band – Hamilton, ON
- 2 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group Pipes & Drums – Petawawa, ON
- Band of the Ceremonial Guard – Ottawa, ON
- Halton Regional Police Pipes & Drums – Oakville, ON
- Fort Henry Guard Fife and Drums – Kingston, ON
- Chris Whyman, Town Crier – Kingston, ON
- Hastings County Concert Band – Stirling, ON
The 2025 Tattoo not only celebrated the enduring traditions of Canada’s military music but also created new memories for families, veterans, and visitors from across the province.
About Fort Henry
Fort Henry was built between 1832 and 1837, designed as the key site in a network of fortifications for the defense of the Rideau Canal and the Kingston harbour. British soldiers were garrisoned there until 1870, followed by Canadian troops until 1891. In 1936, the Fort underwent restoration and opened as a living history museum in 1938. Now a National Historic Site, Fort Henry has seen millions of visitors pass through its gates, entering the realm of 19th century military life. Guests experience self-guided tours, scenic views, heart-pounding musical performances and precision military demonstrations by the Fort Henry Guard, a highly disciplined group of student recruits trained as British soldiers from 1867.
About St. Lawrence Parks Commission
The St. Lawrence Parks Commission, an agency of the Government of Ontario, operates facilities stretching from Kingston to the Quebec border, including Upper Canada Village, Fort Henry National Historic Site of Canada (and a UNESCO World Heritage Site); Kingston Pen Tours, Crysler Park Marina, Upper Canada Golf Course, Upper Canada Migratory Bird Sanctuary and 10 campgrounds and 6 beach day-use picnic areas including the Long Sault and Thousand Islands Parkways. To learn more, visit www.parks.on.ca.
Media Contact
Amanda Liebeck
Communications and Media Relations Officer
St. Lawrence Parks Commission
amanda.liebeck@parks.on.ca
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