A Unique Celebration in Marching Rhythms

The 8th Festival of Brass Bands for the Mayor of Szczecin’s Cup has begun! Ahead of us are three days filled with performances, parade drills, and unforgettable musical experiences!

The festival opened with an inaugural parade, as the ensembles marched from the Adam Mickiewicz Monument to Solidarność Square, where the welcome ceremony and official launch took place. Despite the intense heat, the musicians gave their all. The audience, marching together with the bands, added to the festive atmosphere.

In the afternoon, set against the beautiful backdrop of the Summer Theatre, the orchestras presented their competition programs prepared especially for the occasion. Eight ensembles performed on stage:

• Youth Brass Band Wasilków – a group with 20 years of artistic achievements, known for dynamic concerts and cooperation with the majorette team STARS.
• Vilnius Pabradė Fanfare Orchestra (Lithuania) – winner of numerous international competitions, one of the most awarded fanfare ensembles in the Baltic countries.
• Brass Band Allegretto from Rogoźnik – a young, energetic formation recognized at nationwide brass band competitions.
• Brass Band from Czajków – with traditions dating back to the 1920s, active both in performances and in organizing their own music reviews.
• Youth Brass Band ELEKTRYK from Nowa Sól – celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, winner of the Polish Championship in Division III, and nominated for the world championships.
• Youth Brass Band from Płoty – over 20 years of history with strong educational and concert achievements.
• Brass Band from Środa Wielkopolska – an active group associated with the local Volunteer Fire Brigade, known for spectacular outdoor concerts and parade drills.
• Brass Band Okulice – one of the oldest ensembles in the competition, with 85 years of tradition and numerous national successes.

After Friday’s warm-up, the competition will pick up pace. On Saturday at 2 PM, another parade will march from the Adam Mickiewicz Monument to Solidarność Square, where we’ll see a spectacular parade drill.

Sunday brings the grand finale. At 12 PM, a great parade of orchestras will march through Łasztownia, ending with a joint performance at the Maritime Science Center. At 2 PM, Solidarność Square will host the competition parade drill, and at 4 PM we will meet this year’s festival winners.alu.