What WMC has to offer
Contests and Festival
The WMC is so varied and surprising that you can always find something to please you. Come and be amazed by the variety of music on offer for wind and brass bands during the WMC; the WMC is not to be missed!
All contests take place in the WMC weekends. In addition, there is always the pleasant and entertaining Festival during the WMC, which is concentrated particularly in the centre of Kerkrade.
Concert contests
The concert contests take place during the four WMC weekends in the Rodahal and Parkstad Limburg Theater Kerkrade, in the morning, afternoon and evening. These contests involve music for wind and brass bands of the highest level, the music is serious and dignified. There is a great deal of international participation. Musicians consider participating in these contests as their crowning glory.
The concert contests are divided into a number of contest divisions.
The divisions are as follows:
Brass Band contests, including the Brass Band World Championship
Wind and Fanfare Bands contests
Percussion Ensemble contests
Marching, and Show band contests
These contests take place during the day during the four WMC weekends in Parkstad Limburg Stadium. The performances of the international participants are fantastic for both young and old. There are spectacular shows. The musicians play light, cheerful and well-known tunes. The ambiance in the stadium is unique; there is a party atmosphere during these contests. The international character of the WMC is evident during the Marching and Show band contests from the colourful uniforms and the playing styles of the various participants,who often include elements of their own culture in their shows. The prizes available are very important to the participants. The competition elements plays a major role, which increases the excitement.
Festival
In addition to the WMC contests, there is also the WMC festival. The festival can be divided into two categories:
The concert series in the Rodahal, Parkstad Limburg Theater Kerkrade, Parkstad Limburg Theater Heerlen, Erenstein Castle courtyard, Rolduc Abbey. Professional orchestras, bands, ensembles and solo performers demonstrate how varied wind and brass band music is. All types of cross-overs with music styles and other art forms (dancing, theatre, etc.) are on offer!
The outdoor festival. The outdoor festival takes place during the entire WMC on the Markt square, in the Stadspark and on the Museumplein square. There is a party atmosphere throughout Kerkrade during the WMC. Relaxation and getting to know many international cultures in jovial and, particularly, safe surroundings are the characteristics of this festival. Admission is free.
