PICTURES: Toe-tapping start to St Patrick's celebrations in Limerick city as bands rock out

IT was a toe-tapping start to the St Patrick's weekend parades in Limerick on Sunday, as marching bands rocked the city streets.

The International Band Championship was back in Limerick for a 53rd year, bringing thousands musicians from across the world.

And it was the Doherty High School band from Colorado, USA, who won the top prize and a perpetutual trophy.

READ MORE: Twelve parades in Limerick as St Patrick's Day arrives

Eleven bands from Limerick, Ireland and further afield competed in the showpiece event.

They were the St Mary's Prize Band from Limerick, the Redemptorist Centre of Music Concert Band from Limerick, the Mullingar Town Band, the Toherty High School Sparan Legion Marching Band from Colorado, United States, the Friendship Band from Norther Ireland, the CBS Pipe Band from Limerick, Washington Warriors high School Band, Washington USA, Clondalkin Youth Band, Dublin, Grapevine High School Mustang Band, Exas, and Banna Chluain Meala from Tipperary.

The Grapevine High School Band won the best youth band and CBS Sexton Street won Best Pipe Band.

The Redemptorists took the award for the best local band while Clondalkin's youth band was named the most entertaining performance.

The judge's award went to the friendship band while Clonmel took best uniform and Mullingar was named the best town band.

The fun continues from noon this Monday as thousands of people are once again expected to line the streets to enjoy the largest St Patrick's Day parade in the Mid-West, in Limerick city centre.