Five American Marching Bands and one USA Concert Band will visit the marble city for St Patrick’s Festival Kilkenny 2025 in Ireland, marking a cultural exchange between Ireland and the United States.
Kilkenny is the only county outside the Capital to attract a record number of American Marching Bands as part of its municipal celebration of Ireland’s national holiday. Festival organisers expect to welcome 100,000 tourists across the bank holiday weekend.
Festival Director Marian Flannery explains, “Thousands of talented marching band musicians will travel from the U.S. to Ireland for the St. Patrick’s celebrations. The highlight is the chance to perform in the parade and go on to compete in the national championships. We’re so fortunate that Kilkenny is a popular stop for these incredible musicians from across the Atlantic. They come to immerse themselves in the rich heritage, the stunning Kilkenny Castle, St. Canice’s Cathedral, and Ireland’s Medieval Mile, and to experience the world-famous Kilkenny welcome!”
The festival committee is encouraging people to experience the excitement of a live American Marching Band performance as part of its free entertainment programme, right in the heart of Ireland’s Ancient East! Visitors can expect high-octane, vibrant performances to fill the streets with the sounds of brass, percussion, and woodwinds, creating an unforgettable atmosphere for all to enjoy. St. Patrick’s Festival Kilkenny 2025 marks a cultural exchange between Ireland and the United States, bringing the tradition and pageantry of American Marching Bands to the heart of the medieval city during the festivities.
Festival Chairperson and Mayor of Kilkenny Andrew McGuinness commented, “Kilkenny is a special place where history, culture, and hospitality come together like nowhere else. We’re known around the world for our heritage, vibrant arts scene, world-class festivals, rich music traditions, and unmatched passion for hurling, which draws so many people to Kilkenny. We are honoured to welcome so many talented band members from the States this year. The bond between Ireland and the USA is built upon shared heritage and friendship, and we’re proud to welcome so many visitors who make Kilkenny their home away from home.”
Coming to Kilkenny on Saturday, the 15th, Illinois State University Marching Band will bring a high-energy performance to Kilkenny Castle and the streets of Kilkenny.
On Sunday, March 16th, performances begin at 10 AM with the returning marching band, the Legacy Marching Band from Broomfield, Colorado, who previously performed in Kilkenny in 2018.
Hailing from Waukee, Iowa, the Waukee High School Marching Band is a talented and dynamic group known for their precision, impressive musical skills, and vibrant performances.
Stars of the small screen, The University of Central Florida (UCF) Marching Knights have performed in Disney’s Christmas Parade, Ant and Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway and several football bowl games. Concluding with the Horizon High School Marching Band is an award-winning marching band from Horizon High School in Thornton, Colorado.
Alongside our American Marching Band performances, Bay Port High School Concert Band will perform on Sunday the 16th of March at 3pm in St. Canice’s Cathedral.