The Signal Hill Tattoo, an internationally-known live military history program established more than 40 years ago, has received $54,000 in operational support through the Cultural Economic Development Program (CEDP).

The Honourable Clyde Jackman, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation, said the program, established in 1967 in recognition of Canada�s centennial year, continues to delight provincial, national and international visitors to the Signal Hill National Historic Park in St. John�s.

"This colourful, dramatic performance has always been a crowd-pleaser," said Minister Jackman. "It supports our departmental objectives in that it commemorates and celebrates our 18^th century military history, while also providing added value to the Signal Hill experience provided to residents and visitors each summer."

Since the inception of the Tattoo, literally thousands of young men and women have benefited from the military training they have received as members of the Signal Hill Tattoo Historical Animation Program. Each summer, about 65 high school students are employed and undertake training in the military tactics of a British Infantry Regiment.

The Signal Hill Tattoo performs each Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday, weather permitting, at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. For more information on the Signal Hill Tattoo, visit: www.signalhilltattoo.ca.

The 2008 Cultural Economic Development Program is providing $1.15 million for operational and project support to the heritage sector, and about $1.2 million to the professional arts sector, for a total of more than $2.3 million.

For more information on the CEDP program and application guidelines, visit: www.tcr.gov.nl.ca/tcr/services_programs/cedp/heritage/.

- 30 -

Media contact:
Heather May
Director of Communications
Department of Tourism, Culture and Recreation
709-729-0928, 697-5061
heathermay@gov.nl.ca