MD members seek support for Town Band US trip

Mullingar Town Band will represent Ireland in the Semiquincentennial Celebrations in the United States in July, and event that marks 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of independence.

Cllr Mick Dollard raised the matter at the January meeting of the Mullingar Kinnegad Municipal District, when called for the allocation of €10,000 to the Town Band to support them in their historic trip.

Mullingar Town Band were founded in 1879 and can trace their roots back to the 1840s. The local military barracks supplied many of the early members, who were serving members of the British Regimental bands stationed in Mullingar.

Band director, Kim Magee, told the Examiner of the significance of the trip: “This once-in-a-generation invitation places Mullingar Town Band on an international stage, alongside leading musical groups from around the world.

As one of only three marching bands selected from Ireland, our members will participate in a series of historic and televised events across the United States.”

The trip to the US will include: the Salute to Independence Parade in Philadelphia on July 3; the National Independence Day Parade in Washington DC on July 4; and evening concert in the Basilica of St Patrick’s Old Cathedral in New York on July 6; and performance at the Central Park Bandshell, New York on July 7.

“It’s very exciting, it is 20 years since we last visited America,” Kim said of the opportunity. “In Philadelphia, we will be taking part in a World Association of Marching Show Bands competition. At the moment we are focusing on our parades for St Patrick’s Day, we have been practising for those and that will carry on to the US trip.”

In the run-up to the trip the group have been fundraising and Kim says the assistance they have received has been incredible: “We are delighted and humbled by the support. We are the only band from Ireland that will be taking part in this WAMSB completion.”

Mullingar Town Band include children, teenagers and adults, many of whom are family members performing together. They have played a long-standing part in the musical, educational, and cultural life of Mullingar and the Midlands.

These US trips will see them represent not only Mullingar and Westmeath, and also the country, heritage, and tradition on an international platform.

The fundraising efforts will help cover costs including instrument transport and rental, uniforms and equipment appropriate to the weather conditions, insurance, ground transport, and other operational expenses.

The Municipal District of Mullingar Kinnegad members were unanimous in their support for Cllr Dollard’s motion for the allocation of €10,000 to Mullingar Town Band to support their participation in the 2026 celebrations.

In their reply the executive said: “The council notes that Mullingar Town Band have been selected to represent Ireland and that will involve performances in Philadelphia, Washington DC, and New York. It is noted that the preparation costs associated with such an extensive seven-day tour will be significant and it has been noted that the participants will be covering their own travel and accommodation costs.”

Cllr Dollard said he hopes that the council executive will be in a position to assist the Town band in their historic visit to the US for the Semiquincentennial Celebrations.