🇮🇪 ☘️ 🥁 53rd International Band Festival Limerick 16 03 2025

Описание: Parade Route

The route follows down The Crescent, O'Connell Street, turn left onto Glentworth Street, turn right onto Henry Street, continue down Henry Street, onwards to Liddy Street and finishing at Arthur's Quay Park. The Reviewing Stand will be located on Henry Street (opposite the Savoy Hotel).

Who took part?

St Mary's Prize Band Limerick
Redemptorists Centre of Music Band
Mullingar Town Band
The Doherty Hugh School Spartan Legion Marching Band
Friendship Band
CBS Pipe Band
Washington Warriors High School Band
Boherbuoy Brass and Reed Band
Clondalkin Youth Band
Grapevine High School Mustang Band
Banna Chluian Meala

Highlights of the Celebration

This past Sunday, the Doherty High School Spartan Legion Marching Band from Colorado struck a triumphant chord at the 53rd International Band Championship in Limerick City. With thousands of spectators enjoying the delightful weather, the streets resonated with lively performances from 11 marching bands, including participants from Ireland, Northern Ireland, and the U.S. The atmosphere was electric, as colorful outfits and rhythmic tunes enthralled attendees.

Following the parade, an energetic open-air concert took place at Arthur’s Quay Park, culminating in the announcement of the winners across several categories. The championship formed a key part of the festivities of the Limerick St. Patrick’s Festival, held over the long weekend.

Award Winners

The event celebrated outstanding musical talent, with the Spartan Legion taking home not one, but two prestigious awards:

Overall Parade Champion: Doherty High School Spartan Legion Marching Band (Colorado)
Best International Band: Doherty High School Spartan Legion Marching Band (Colorado)

Other notable winners included:

Best Youth Band: Grapevine High School Mustang Band (Texas)
Best Local Band: Redemptorist Centre of Music Concert Band (Limerick)
Best Pipe Band: CBS Pipe Band (Limerick)
Best Uniform: Mullingar Town Band (Co. Westmeath)
Best Musical Performance: Washington Warriors High School Band (Washington)
Most Entertaining Performance: Clondalkin Youth Band (Dublin)
Special Judges Award – Intergenerational Performance: St. Mary’s Prize Band (Limerick)
Special Judges Award – Spirit of the Festival: Friendship Band (Northern Ireland)
Special Judges Award – Choreography: Banna Chluain Meala (Tipperary)

Remarks From the Mayor

Mayor John Moran extended his congratulations to all participating bands, expressing appreciation for the talent and joy showcased throughout the day. He noted, “Limerick is proud to host such an inspiring event that brings together music lovers from near and far. It's fantastic to see everyone enjoying themselves.”

Insights from the Judges

The task of selecting winners fell to a panel of three judges: Mr. Niall Carroll, Dr. Evelyn Grant, and Mr. Stan Michalski. Each brought their unique perspectives on the challenge of judging such a vibrant display of musical talent.

Niall Carroll shared his views about the challenges of picking a winner, noting the competition between local bands and foreign entries, saying, “The level of performance we witnessed was exceptional.”

Dr. Evelyn Grant specifically enjoyed the inter-generational energy of the performances, stating, “I love seeing the old traditions kept alive alongside the colorful contributions from our American friends.”

Stan Michalski commented on the audience’s enthusiastic participation, remarking, “To see the crowd six-deep was fabulous; they were really getting into the spirit of the performances.”

2025 Festival

The 53rd Annual International Band Championship highlighted the lively spirit of the ongoing Limerick St. Patrick’s Festival 2025. This year’s theme, ‘A More Fun Limerick,’ set the stage for colorful parades to take place on St. Patrick’s Day, less than 24 hours following the band championship. Roísín Ní Riain, a Paralympian from Limerick, was named the Grand Marshal of the parade.

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