Céad Míle Failte!

Welcome to the Galway International Band Festival

Regionals 14th -16th Aug 2026 | World Championships 13-15 August 2027

The Irish Marching Band Association together with their partners at Celtic Horizon Tours, Galway City Council and WAMSB are delighted to welcome bands of all shapes and sizes from around Ireland and the world to perform and compete at the Galway Internation Band Festival.

This festival aims to put Ireland on an international stage when it comes to marching and concert bands. Now bands from around the globe can come to Ireland not only for St. Patrick’s Day, but during the Summer period as they take part in field shows, concert band, and parade events.

We look forward to bringing our existing Irish bands, new bands, and of course internationals bands and guests to this new festival over the coming years.

Event Schedule

19:00hrs – Opening ceremony – Eyre Square
Drumline BattleEyre Square

Drumline Battle – The Competition is open to all music clubs with percussion instruments, regardless of age. All percussion instruments may be used in this competition provided they are suitable for the show. Permitted instruments include Snare Drums, Tenor Drums, Tom, Bass Drums and Cymbals as well as mallets.

09:00hrs – Concert Band Competition – Bailey Allen Hall, University of Galway

10:30hrs – Field Parade Competition

15:00hrs – Field Show Competition – Prelims – Running Track, University of Galway

11:00hrs – Street Parade Competition

The Parade Route will follow the same as St Patricks Day Annual Parade Route from the University’s Historic Front Park to Galway City Centre passing Galway Cathedral, over Salmon Weir Bridge ending in Eyre Square, the beating heart of Galway.

15:00hrs – Field Show Competition – Finals – University of Galway Running Track

21:00hrs – Closing Ceremony – Venue TBC

Register Interest

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  • Events and times outlined above are subject to change and will depend on the number of entries for each event.
    For all bands looking to be adjudicated during the championship must pre-qualify at a WAMSB regional event, please see below for more information
  • For all bands looking to participate and not be judged
  • https://wamsb.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/WAMSB-Qualification-and-Invitation-to-Apply-nformation.pdf
  • The Festival is based on the agreement that all participants must stay in the University of Galway Accommodation and be booked via Celtic Horizon Tous.

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