An impressive March & Show Program - WMC 2026
Between July 9 and August 2, Kerkrade will be dominated by the World Music Contest (WMC). During the first two weekends of the WMC, the top marching and show bands from around the world will make appearances in the Parkstad Limburg Stadium. This anniversary edition of the WMC will feature a very impressive and international field of participants in the Marching and Show Contests.
At the Marching and Show Contests in the Parkstad Limburg Stadium, this time, no fewer than 37 bands will participate in the marching contests, 9 in the marching parade contests, and 38 in the show contests. Including the Prelims for the Championship Division Show, a total of 100 performances will take place in the Marching and Show Contests. This is slightly more than in 2022, according to Henk Smit, who, together with Gary George, leads the artistic management of this part of the WMC.
“It is a great feeling that during this anniversary edition all these bands want to compete for the highest possible achievement within their musical field. That is certainly not what we were expecting when you consider the enormous increase in travel and accommodation costs. In particular we have noticed that, for this reason, fewer Asian bands are participating, which is understandable and at the same time regrettable.
I know that the bands have been practicing for over a year towards their performance for this contest. I expect a lot! This is going to result in some great and exciting matches across all divisions. Absolutely!”
Music and dynamics go hand in hand
During the first two weekends of the WMC, the hallowed turf of the Parkstad Limburg Stadium is the stage for the 78 bands to put their best musical foot forward in the march, marching parade, and show contests. What makes these competitions so special? “The Marching and Show Contests offer a delight, not only for the ear in terms of music, but also for the eyes. It is a dynamic world where music, choreography, and movement come together. The bands want to move the audience with their performances. And if they succeed then the release of emotion afterwards is enormous. For me, this is precisely the most beautiful thing to be able to experience up close,” says Henk with a broad smile.
Adjudicating
What will the jury specifically look for? “First of all, we must distinguish between the three components. In marching, as the name suggests, the orchestra moves primarily forward whilst playing. The adjudicators will look at two components: music and visual and how they support each other. The biggest difference between marching parade and show is that in marching parade, your performance area is limited by boundries, whereas in show, you may use the entire playing field. In terms of adjudication, an extra element is considered in these last two contests: this is the ‘effect’ of the performance on the audience. How is the audience moved, and in what way do you effect the audience? This last aspect can be difficult to adjudicate, but, we have a great team of adjudicators who are looking forward to tackling it. It is also one of te reasons that make this contest so unique and exciting for the bands on their road to that coveted world title,” Gary George explains.
Highlights
There are plenty of them, Gary explains. “Of course, there are the well-known bands, including Nishihara from Japan – the 2022 World Champion – and the top acts from the Netherlands. This year, a strong delegation from Germany is also present again to shine in the stadium. It is going to be very exciting if everyone reaches their highest performing level.
Besides all the competitions in the three contests and in the various divisions, I am also looking forward to the exhibition in the first weekend by the Blue Devils from the USA. They are coming over with their alumni band and kicking off their European tour here in Kerkrade. You don’t want to miss this as you won't believe your eyes and your ears. Also, as Henk says, the tension and emotion among the participants in the contests, whether in the Junior Division or the Championship Division, before and after the performance is phenomenal. It is the tension and emotion of the bands that create a unique atmosphere throughout the stadium This is what makes this sport so special, and that is what I am really looking forward to.”
You don't want to miss this!
“Totally correct. Especially for people who don’t go to these kinds of shows, and have never experienced the raw emotion of competing bands. We promise you an experience you will never forget! In addition to the world’s top Asian bands, we have the entire European elite in Kerkrade who will take you on a very dynamic musical journey. This includes not only DVS-Katwijk, Adest Musica Sassenheim, K&G Leiden, Flora Band Rijnsburg, Pasveerkorps Leeuwarden, Advendo Sneek, Irene Ede, Rijnmondband Schiedam, but also the bands from Oberlichtenau, Potsdam and Rödemis (Germany) and of course the regional bands from Banholt, Heerlen, Maastricht and Eijsden.
It is also the quantity and the cultural diversity of the bands that makes this event unique. You will only see this amazing line-up at the WMC-Kerkrade and not at any other tattoo in the world.
Because we are a competition, the bands are 500% prepared and will perform world premieres of compositions and choreographies that will delight you. I am absolutely convinced of this,” says Henk with great passion.
When are you satisfied afterwards? “We are only satisfied when everything runs exactly as we have envisioned it. That all the time schedules are correct, and that people are simply happy afterwards. When everyone says, ‘That was once again a traditional, impressive, beautiful, unique WMC’, or whatever flattering description people want to give. Then. And only then, will we be proud and satisfied.”