From the first drumbeat to last salute, the inaugural Pacific Police Tattoo has proven to be a vibrant and intoxicating showcase of culture, tradition and music.
Before a Port Moresby audience that included police chiefs from across the Pacific region, the Royal Tonga Police Band earned not only loud applause but also a standing ovation from the judges to win the rousing competition on Wednesday.
The Tongan contingent captivated the ears with a popular song set-list that included Mahina Katoa, Kailao – the Tongan war dance – and Moana, as Superintendent spokesperson Siosaia Mohenoa was left humbled by the praise.
"We just feel honoured and grateful," he said.
"But first of all, and most importantly, we give thanks to God."
Supt Mohenoa said their initial mission for the unique Tattoo was to "share all our musical talent and connect with our fellow Pacific police band members".
Nine bands competed for a historic first title that included the Australian Federal Police (AFP) Pipes and Drums Band, the New Zealand Police Pipe Band, the Samoa Royal Police Band, the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force Band, the Fiji Police Force Band, and the Nauru Police Force Band as well as the host nation's Royal PNG Constabulary Band and PNG Corrective Services Band.
The largely Pasifika sounds from more than 100 police musicians that were on display at the Sir Hubert Murray Stadium.
"Music is very important to the culture of Nauru," Senior Constable Mikka Detabene said of the Nauru Police Force Band's performance.
"It combines as one and makes us feel joyful at the same time."
Inspector Tavita Tunupopo of the Samoa Royal Police Band echoed the sentiments in pursuit of unveiling a rich part of its cultural identity after being pipped by its friendly Polynesian brothers.
The Samoans did not walk away empty-handed, announced as the recipients of the 'fan favourite' award.
"Music is our culture – music is in our blood," he said.
"It's how we're brought up in the island."
The New Zealand Police Pipe Band stood out for playing a more Scottish traditional-type of sound, commonly associated with the much-celebrated Edinburgh Military Tattoo.
Band spokesperson Craig Watson could not hide his admiration of the interpretation of cultural music on show.
"Just being together with the Pasifika nations' guys and hearing them play in sync is fantastic," he said.
"To be able to share a performance with them, all the same, feels like something really special."
The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force Band was out to entertain for the thousands turning up for the historic day.
"This is what musicians do: we perform in front of crowds and when the crowds cheer and are up and going back and forth, it gives us positive vibes," band spokesperson Fred Maedola said.
"That's really for us a great thing to hear."
Fiji Police Force Band Assistant Superintendent, Bausema Lilinatabua, felt the occasion of the tattoo was not lost on band members.
To prove that point, the Fijians were also handed the award for the Spirit of the Tattoo.
"We are all so fortunate that we're so close to enjoy and collaborate," she said.
"I believe that music makes us connected."
The Royal PNG Constabulary Band captured the award for the best drill display.
Papua New Guinea Police Commissioner David Manning said that outside of upholding the law over each of its country's jurisdictions, the Pacific Police Tattoo displayed a commitment that adheres to what the forces share together.
"This event has not only deepened the bonds between our organisations, tt has demonstrated a strength of regional policing partnerships in action," he said.
