The festival

Programme

Saturday 29 August 2026
11:00 – 12:30 “Le Kiosque à Musique” at Place de l’Église, Avenches town centre

Thursday 3 September 2026
18:00 – 20:15 Music and food at Tattoo Square
21:00 – 23:00 Main Show
23:00 – 00:30 Aftershow at Tattoo Square

Friday 4 September 2026
17:00 – 18:00 Free live performances in Avenches, Estavayer, Murten and Payerne
18:00 – 20:15 Music and food at Tattoo Square
21:00 – 23:00 Main Show
23:00 – 00:30 Aftershow at Tattoo Square

Saturday 5 September 2026
11:00 – 11:45 Parade in Avenches town centre
12:00 – 22:00 Music and food at Tattoo Square
14:30 – 16:30 Main show
21:00 – 23:00 Main show
23:00 – 00:30 Aftershow at Tattoo Square

TATTOO SQUARE

WHAT DOES IT LOOK LIKE LIVE?

Discover Avenches Tattoo through video…

THE YOUTUBE CHANNEL

RETROSPECTIVE

What is a “Tattoo” ?

Originally, a tattoo is an international festival of military music. Today, it is above all a live performance, combining live music with precisely choreographed displays, while fostering cultural exchange through the meeting of artists from around the world.

The term “tattoo” originates from the 17th-century Dutch expression “doe den tap toe”, meaning “turn off the tap”. It was a signal for taverns to close so that soldiers would return to their quarters. Over time, the term evolved to describe military musical performances, notably the spectacle of the world-famous Edinburgh Tattoo.

Originally reserved for military formations, tattoos today bring together both civilian and military ensembles. Alongside marching bands and pipes and drums, these events also feature dance groups, choirs and a variety of contemporary performers.

Avenches Tattoo

Created in 1999 along the lines of the famous Edinburgh Tattoo, this international music festival is one of a kind in French-speaking Switzerland. It is the oldest in Switzerland and one of the most renowned Tattoo events internationally. Each year, it brings together prestigious representative bands in a unique musical and visual spectacle.

Due to renovation works at the Roman amphitheatre, Avenches Tattoo has been held since 2023 in the historic setting of the Swiss National Stud Farm in Avenches. Since the first edition, more than 80 bands from 25 different countries have performed as part of the event.