NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) — The sounds of the Virginia International Tattoo are filling Scope Arena as it celebrates 250 years of the Army, Navy and Marines.

Thursday is the first night of the Tattoo and NATO night. Before the show began, the Norfolk NATO flag-raising ceremony showed 32 member nations parading their flag at Scope Plaza.

“We’re happy to have this in our city right here in Norfolk,” said Alli Pereira with the Virginia Arts Festival. “And it really means a lot to us at the Virginia International Tattoo to have that celebration of friendship. That is really the Tattoo spirit. So we’re happy to carry that through with with Norfolk NATO Festival activities.”

This is the first of many NATO festival events that are happening this weekend.

The Tattoo runs from April 24-27.

“For us, you can expect a really detailed and impressive drill display with the band and the drill team and big formations and great Norwegian music,” said Mats Bakken, company commander of His Majesty the King Scott Band and Drill.

The NATO parade will happen Saturday morning in Norfolk.