By Shareen Gray BA (Hons), Director of Steel Pan Trust
Ting, ting, ting… the anticipation is like an electric current passing through the crowd in Kensal Road as, after months of dedicated practice, a mighty steelband rings out its first beats.
Panorama is the UK’s national steelband competition, which has been held on Carnival Saturday evening since time immemorial (well, 1978). It’s an event that for many is the real start – or even the climax – of London’s carnival season.
This year, eight steelbands will be competing – and that competition is fierce. The current holder of the Panorama honours is Ebony, which will be playing Far From Finish, arranged by Duvonne Stewart. Looking to unseat them will be Croydon Steel Orchestra, playing Good Morning (arr Brent Holder), Endurance SO (Good Morning, arr Marlon Hibbert), Impact SO (Pan Up There, arr Joseph Boyde), Mangrove SB (Full Extreme, arr Andre White), Metronomes SO (Full Extreme, arr Lero Clarke), Phase 1 SO (Hold That Pan Stick, arr Stephon Phillip) and Southside Harmonics SO (Rumble In The Jungle, arr Eustace Benjamin).
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May the best band win, good luck to all.