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Thousands descend on Limerick for International Band Championship

Members of the University of Alabama Marching band at the International Band Championship [PICTURE: Keith Wiseman]

Members of the University of Alabama Marching band at the International Band Championship [PICTURE: Keith Wiseman]

By David Hurley
Published on 19/03/2013 08:00

Canada’s oldest and largest youth marching band, The Burlington Teen Tour band, took the top prize at this year’s International Band Championship which attracted around 40,000 spectators to the streets of Limerick.

In its 43rd year, almost 1,100 musicians from Limerick, Ireland, Germany, Canada took and the United States took part in the championship to the delight of the huge crowds.

Chris Harrison, senior drum major with the Burlington Teen Tour band, said the 120 strong ensemble was ‘overwhelmed’ to have won the competition, which was sponsored by Shannon Development.

The best local band was the Corpus Christi drums and pipe band while the Mayor’s prize was won by Fanfarenzug Ankenreute from Germany.

Mayor of Limerick, Cllr Gerry McLoughlin, described the 2013 Limerick International Band Championship as an ‘unbelievable spectacle’.

“What wonderful performances were showcased in Limerick this year,” he said.

“I’m delighted that so many international bands travelled to take part in today’s event and also that so many spectators turned out on the streets of Limerick today to support our wonderful visitors,” he said.

Commenting on the significance of the International Band Championship John Crowe of Shannon Development said; “We’re delighted with the amount of overseas participation this year. Shannon Development worked very hard to build up the band parade and to bring the number of bands participating in the event to over 20.

The success of the 2013 International Band Championship followed on from the Saint Patrick’s Day Parade, which attracted more than 50,000 people to the city centre.


 
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Sunday 19 May 2013

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Temperature: 10 C to 16 C

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