Paratroopers, cannon fire, and plenty of music on Parliament Hill

There was quite a commotion in downtown Ottawa Thursday night.

Hundreds of soldiers showed up, including elite paratroopers. There was even some loud gunfire.

Fortunately, it was all in the name of entertainment.

The Ceremonial Guard of the Canadian Armed Forces hosted the 20^th annual Fortissimo – a military and musical spectacular on Parliament Hill. The concert includes military bands from across Canada as well as a precision drill team from Germany.

Some other special guests dropped in as well. The show opened with Canada’s elite military parachute team, the SkyHawks, seeming to defy gravity as they soared onto Parliament Hill.

At certain points in the evening, loud cannon fire can be heard for kilometres around, particularly during a rendition of Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture.

Fortissimo runs July 21-23 on Parliament Hill. Admission is free.

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  A Military band performs at the 20th annual Fortissimo on Parliament Hill, July 21, 2016