The Pride of Bixby Marching Band from Oklahoma have been named as the overall winners of the 51st Limerick International Band Championship – Ireland’s only marching band competition.

For the second year running, the Limerick International Band Championship returned to the Henry Street route as the city streets were filled with the sound of beating drums, brilliant trumpet tones and rhythmic marching musicians from across the globe for what is a uniquely Limerick experience.

A 400-strong marching band from the University of Florida was amongst the 1,500 musicians who provided uplifting musical entertainment to thousands of spectators who braved wet weather to line the streets of Limerick. A total of 19 marching bands competed this year, five from the United States along with 14 other groups from Canada, Northern Ireland, Donegal, Dublin, Kerry, Limerick, Tipperary and Westmeath.

The winning band was presented with the Kenneally Jewellers Perpetual Trophy as overall winners of the championship.

The Overall Parade Champion was The Pride of Bixby Marching Band.