WAMSB Events

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 11, 2026

West Chester University to Host International Marching Band Championships as Part of America’s 250th Birthday Celebration

West Chester, PA — As the United States marks its 250th anniversary, West Chester University (WCU) will host an extraordinary international celebration of music, pageantry, and competition when the World Association of Marching Show Bands (WAMSB) brings its 250th USA Championships to WCU’s John A. Farrell Stadium on Wednesday, July 1, 2026. The event will feature marching bands from around the world, including representatives from Italy, Germany, Sweden, England, Puerto Rico, Colombia, and Wisconsin, in a rare international competition that organizers describe as a once-in-a-lifetime experience and a historic first for the region. Farrell Stadium is located at 855 S New Street, West Chester, PA 19383. For event schedule and ticket information visit  https://vivaceproductions.com/wamsb2026/. Tickets are expected to sell out.

Full Details: WC-Phil WAMSB 2026 Reelease May 11

CONTACT:

Christine Kozsuch

Associate Director, Communications

University Communications & Marketing

267-257-5866 (cell)

WAMSB is excited for the WAMSB USA National Championships being held in West Chester University. Bands from across America and the world are welcome to participate in this National event which also coincides with the 250th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence in the USA. 

“International Bands participating the in the 2026 WAMSB World Championships may want to consider adding this to their plans,  as it happens the week before the World Championships in Mexico.  It would certainly give bands the unique opportunity to perform and compete at a world class level in two Nations in the same year.” said Chris Herard, President of WAMSB International.  

For more information, please use the contact us link on the WAMSB website.

WAMSB International is thrilled to invite qualified bands to attend the 2026 WAMSB World Championships in Puebla, Mexico July 9-12, 2026

Click  here for MORE INFORMATION from the city and organizers, WAMSB Mexico.

An updated information and invitation document is now available on our website.  You can also APPLY to attend and compete on our website for the 2025 WAMSB World Championships held in Jakarta, Indonesia.

UPDATED 2025 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP INFORMATION AND INVITATION

Thank you to Jimmy Wong our International Coordinator to Asia for so carefully transporting the flag from this year’s hosts in Rastede, Germany to Jakarta, Indonesia!

See our Facebook post HERE

APPLY NOW – See you there!

PLEASE NOTE NEW DATES ** August 8 – 10, 2025

WAMSB International is proud of the many sanctioned events occurring around the world, including many regional and international competitions, festivals and workshops.

The World Championships of Marching Show Bands will be held in Rastede, Germany in late June, followed by events in Poland and in Denmark, Malaysia and throughout Mexico, Central and South America.  

For more information, updates, photos and videos, please check our official social media page. 

https://www.facebook.com/WAMSB/