MARCHING BAND: The University of Washington Varsity Alumni Marching Band from Seattle, Washington will lead the annual 4th of July Independence Day festival in Killarney this year.

A marching band with over 100 members will lead the annual 4^thof July Independence Day festival in Killarney this year.

The festival, now in its sixth year is set to be a celebration of all things American.

Organisers have secured The University of Washington Varsity Alumni Marching Band from Seattle, Washington. The celebrations will commence at 3pm with the raising of the American flag by the Mayor of Killarney, Michael Gleeson, and Chamber President Paul Sherry at Killarney Town Hall.

The American and Irish Anthems, along with a selection of American/Irish themed songs, will be performed by The Glenflesk Male Choir and they will be accompanied by the Seattle-based band.

Festivities include The Big Parade, an out-door cinema, choir singing, a street party, swing dancing, and lots more fun for both young and old, all located in the heart of Killarney.

“There will be a host of fun filled activities for both young and old throughout the day and this year the festival, now in its sixth year, aims to bring the town to life in a fun and exciting way to celebrate all that is great about the US and to remember the years of legacy between the United States and Ireland,” Ollie Favier, Festival Committee Joint Chairman, said.

The town will be transformed into a carnival atmosphere of fun and entertainment. The highlight of the day will be The Big Parade, which will commence at 7pm from the Outlet Centre car park, and this will bring the streets of Killarney to life with shows by the Wild Wild West Troupe, brass bands, cheerleaders and  Disney characters.

After the parade there will be a street party featuring music, and afterwards there will be a screening of ‘Grease’ on an outdoor screen in the grounds of Killarney House.

And of course no 4th of July celebration would be complete without a spectacular fireworks display which will round off the evening at 11.15pm and light up the night sky over Killarney.