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 Battle – Eyre 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
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