Limerick turns up the volume with strong line-up for the 54th International Band Championship

LIMERICK is ready to raise the tempo with the announcement of the full line‑up for the 54th International Band Championship, set to steal a march on other parades when it takes to the streets.

It will take place at midday on Sunday, March 15 as a highlight of Limerick St Patrick’s Festival 2026.

This year’s Championship promises a spectacular showcase of musical talent, colour, and pageantry, with a dynamic line-up of 15 bands confirmed to take part in the much-loved international competition.

Audiences can look forward to an exciting mix of homegrown excellence and international flair, with eight bands from across Ireland and six visiting international bands, including four from the United States, one from Ghana, and one from the United Kingdom.

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Starting from The Crescent, O’Connell Street, the parade will turn on to Glentworth Street and then continue along Henry Street, finishing at Arthur’s Quay Park.

With precision marching and colourful choreography, the streets of Limerick will once again pulse with energy as bands compete for top honours.

The 54th Championship will feature:

Band 1, Brigade of the Irish Defence Forces [IRE]

CBS Pipe Band [IRE]

Gosling Marching Band [USA]

St Mary’s Fife & Drum Band Limerick [IRE]

Golden Eagles Pathfinder Drum Corps [GHANA]

Banna Chluain Meala [IRE]

Redemptorist Centre of Music Concert Band [IRE]

Clondalkin Youth Band [IRE]

Mullingar Town Band [IRE]

Campo Verde HS Coyote Pride Marching Band [USA]

South Jones High School Band [USA]

The City of Limerick Pipe Band [IRE]

Boherbuoy Brass and Reed Band [IRE]

Hammonds Brass Band Yorkshire [UK]

McKinney High School Royal Pride Band and Marquettes [USA]

Following the 54th Limerick International Band Championship parade, the celebrations will continue with a free open-air concert in Arthur’s Quay Park, where bands will perform once again in a vibrant festival atmosphere.

Audiences are invited to gather and share in the excitement as the overall winners are officially announced.

With eclectic performances, colourful uniforms, and electrifying music, this year’s event promises to be one of the most visually striking and entertaining yet, perfectly capturing the spirit of the Limerick St Patrick’s Festival 2026.

Set against five days of parades, performances and cultural celebration, this year’s Limerick St Patrick’s Festival offers something for everyone to enjoy from Friday, March 13 to Tuesday, March 17.

Under the 2026 theme 'Legends of Limerick,' the programme brings together spectacular street theatre, family-friendly events, immersive arts experiences and standout musical moments. From the Limerick city St Patrick’s Day Parade led by Grand Marshal and national marathon champion Ava Crean, to a unique free open‑air concert on the Legends of Limerick Stage at Arthur’s Quay Park on Monday, March 16, featuring a line-up of local talent, headlined by Denise Chaila.

With lively County Parades, creative workshops, storytelling, installations, markets, live music and large‑scale outdoor shows, the festival transforms Limerick into a vibrant celebration of community, culture and creativity.

The 54th International Band Championship adds its own burst of international colour and energy to a festival that showcases Limerick at its very best.

Find all the Limerick St Patrick’s Festival Events on Limerick.ie/StPatricksFestival.

Limerick St Patrick’s Festival 2026 is brought to you by Limerick City and County Council, with support from Fáilte Ireland. The media partners are Limerick Leader, Limerick’s Live95, Limerick Post and Spin Southwest.

Limerick Council has announced temporary road closures and parking restrictions on March 15 and March 17 to facilitate the Limerick International Band Championship and the Limerick City St Patrick’s Day Parade, affecting key city routes including O’Connell Avenue, Quinlan Street, The Crescent, Henry Street, Liddy Street, Cecil Street, and adjoining roads, with closures generally in place from 7am to 3.30pm and parking prohibitions from 3am to 3.30pm on both days.