The Imps have once again come to Halifax as part of Nova Scotia Tattoo cast.

At 1:30, the Halifax Regional Police Traffic Unit members, lead by Cst. Kristine Fra¬ser, escorted the Imps from the Scotiabank Cent¬re to the parking lot across from Police Headquarters on Gottingen Street.

There, the Traffic Unit along with Chief Jean-Michel Blais welcomed the Imps Motorcycle Display Team and offered a tour of HRP Headquarters. Chief Blais also presented the team with a forge cap in recognition of their partnership throughout the 2017 Royal Nova Scotia Internati-onal Tattoo.

He thanked the group for their time, and did a small question and answer with the young entertainers. One item of interest with the group was our money, in particular the “ducks” on our loonie coins.

After the Imps visit at the HRP HQ, they were escorted to the area of Albemarle and Duke St where they were met by Halifax Regional Fire & Emergency crews from Station 3 (West St) for a tour of a fire engine and gear commonly used by fire crews.

Having a chance to sit in the 2 trucks on scene, and being able to interact with some different types of equipment, the group were kept smiling by the genuine warmth they received by both the HRP and HRFE.

The Imps are a long way from home, and range in age from barely 6 to 15. As very talented entertainers, they aim to put smiles on audiences faces with their amazing motorcycle show. But being so far from home can make a young entertainer homesick.

As both fire and police crews are working closely with the Imps in the Tattoo, a strong bond has grown within the groups, and keeping the visiting youth happy and entertained has become an easy task.

More plans are ahead for the short amount of time the group remains in Halifax, including a tour to the Discovery Centre. After speaking to members of both HRP and HRFE, it is almost too hard to tell who is benefitting more from the bond between the groups. All groups speak fondly of their time together, and all will remember their time together that the Nova Scotia Tattoo gave them.

Information about the Imps

“For over forty years The Imps have performed around the world to millions of people.
Regular appearances on prime time television and displays at major events, such as The Edinburgh Military Tattoo, have secured a reputation for excellence. Extraordinary discipline and incredible teamwork enable The Imps to deliver shows comprising complex ‘cross-overs’ requiring split second timing, breathtaking fire jumps and visually stunning pyramids of red tunics – all served up with a dash of humour and aided by the spell-binding mini Imp mascots.
The ‘IMPS’ is dedicated to educating children through, though not exclusively, their leisure time activities, this is delivered by a disciplined, dynamic and challenging programme of activities with a world-famous motorcycle display team at its heart.
From the sound of revving engines to the awe of a billowing fire jump and the suspense of a multiple motorcycle combination ‘cross-over’ routine, The Imps will have you mesmerised by an unmissable display of discipline and skill. Furthermore, you will be stunned to learn that the youngest performer is only five years old!
The Imps Motorcycle Display Team, noted for its impeccable smart red tunics and highly disciplined spectacular show originated in the 1970’s from The Hackney Adventure Holiday Project – a charity founded by Roy Pratt MBE that provided holidays in the country for under privileged young people. Some of the children found a dysfunctional old ‘motorbike’ – one thing led to another and a motorcycle display team, uniquely comprising young people aged six to sixteen, emerged.
For over forty years The Imps have performed around the world to millions of people.
Regular appearances on prime time television and displays at major events, such as The Edinburgh Military Tattoo, have secured a reputation for excellence. Extraordinary discipline and incredible teamwork enable The Imps to deliver shows comprising complex ‘cross-overs’ requiring split second timing, breathtaking fire jumps and visually stunning pyramids of red tunics – all served up with a dash of humour and aided by the spell-binding mini Imp mascots.
The origins of the IMPS are to be found in The Hackney Adventure Holiday Project, which operated in the 1960’s and 70’s, providing adventure holidays and experiences for East End children during school holidays and at weekends.
One of the many activities covered was an introduction to motorcycling for the youngsters. Children soon became so proficient at cross-country riding that the charity had to consider how to harness this newfound energy. Competition riding was ruled out due to the high cost involved, which would have precluded most of the youngsters being able to participate.
At the invitation of the organiser of a local small show a six man formation riding team was formed to present a display. From these humble beginnings The IMPS have grown to stand shoulder to shoulder with the best motorcycle display teams in the World. The Imps perform at such prestigeous venue as The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo and International events around the world.”