Malcolm Barr is a member of the Hamilton Citizens Brass Band and chairman of the organising committee which has put the event together.
"Having been to plenty of contests everywhere, I really wanted to have one in my home town," he says. "I just didn't know how much work it was going to be."
Mr Barr, principal trombonist, says the planning has taken three years after the initial bid to host the event was placed in 2016.
The organising committee obtained $50,000 in sponsorship from Hamilton City Council's Major Event Sponsorship Fund, and Mr Barr said the Council's support had been vital to the event.
Friday's Parade of Bands starts at the Victoria St end of Bryce St, turn onto Barton St, parade past the Mayor and salute, then turn left on to London St.
To allow the bands to march, there will be parking restrictions and temporary road closures on or near the parade route.
Parking restrictions on Barton St, from 10am.
Temporary closure of Bryce St (from Anglesea St to Victoria St), London St (Anglesea St to Victoria St) and all of Barton St, from 12pm to 3pm.