Thousands to attend band parade today

Thousands of people are expected to pour into the city today to see The 39th International Band Parade.

The parade will start at Sarsfield Barracks at 12 noon and make its way down O'Connell Ave and O'Connell St. They will then make their way to Arthur's Quay Park where all the participating bands are invited to play.

Among the Limerick bands taking part are The Boherbuoy Brass and Reed Band, Corpus Christi Pipe and Drum Band, St Mary's Fife and Drum Band, The CBS Youth Pipe Band and Sammy Benson's Brass and Reed Band.

The Irish Army’s Band of the First Southern Brigade will lead the event which will also include The Adrian Wilcox High School Band and “The Black and Gold Regime” from Santa Clara, California.

Laura Ryan of the Limerick Co-Ordination Office said,

“Prizes will be awarded for best overall band, best dressed, best musical performance, most entertaining performance, special judges’ award, best Irish band and best local band.”

Major traffic restrictions will be in place in the city along the parade route from 11am until 4pm. The AA explains,

Gardai are advising motorists to avoid driving into the city. Motorists are advised to pass through the city via Thomand Bridge or New Shannon Bridge. Parking restrictions will be in place from Patrick St towards Wolfe Tone St from 4am until after the parade.

Click here for the parade route Map.

NEW DETAILS
Sammy Benson's Brass and Reed Band have been announced the winners of the 39th International Band Competition.