Malaysia is to host the World Championship Marching Show Bands 2011, the largest marching show band competition in the world, for the first time for a week from Monday.
The championship’s festival director, Jimmy Wong, said a total of 30 independent marching bands from around the world would compete in the championship, which will be held at the Kuala Lumpur Football Stadium in Cheras.
The opening ceremony on Monday would be a street parade by all the participating bands, from Jalan Raja Chulan to Jalan Bukit Bintang, starting at 8.30 pm, he said.
Wong said bands from Canada, the Czech Republic, Hong Kong, Indonesia, China, Taiwan and Thailand would be participating in the competition.
“The first round of the competition will begin Wednesday, while the second and third rounds will be on Thursday and Friday,” he said, adding that the grand final would be held on Saturday.
Wong said this year’s competition promised a different concept from previous competitions as it would be held at night, from 8 pm to midnight.
“There will also be Malaysian cultural dances and other performances, such as the ‘bunga manggar’ parade, to liven up the competition,” he added.
He said the opening ceremony would be free of charge. Tickets for the grand final cost RM100 per person and can be purchased online at www.wcmsb2011.com or at the stadium from Monday.
– Bernama
CJMY
