Grand festivities for World Steelpan Day

THE vibrant sound of the steelpan will be celebrated on August 11 in recognition of World Steelpan Day.

Officially declared by the UN on July 24, 2023 as World Steelpan Day, Trinidad and Tobago’s national instrument will be celebrated under the theme From Roots to Recognition: Steelpan's Journey to Global Acclaim.

Starting at noon, the day's activities will feature a grand procession called the Ancestral Walk at the birthplace of the steelpan in East Port of Spain. The day’s festivities will move through the streets and feature performances from 11 single bands from various regions throughout Trinidad and Tobago.

The bands expected to play are Spree Simon Harmonics, Uni Stars Steel Orchestra, Nostrand Symphony Steel Orchestra, La Famille United Steel Orchestra, Chord Masters, San Juan East Side Symphony Steel Orchestra, San Juan All Stars Steel Orchestra, Pan Elites Steel Orchestra, La Romaine Super Vibes Steel Orchestra, Jah Roots Steelband and Pan Angels Steel Orchestra.

At 5 pm, the final event will be held at Woodford Square, Port of Spain. The festival will welcome pan enthusiasts from around the globe and video performances from international countries and will be featured in the formal programme.

Pan Trinbago in a media release said, “This international participation will enrich the festival, highlighting the steelpan's global significance and fostering connections between local and international pan communities.”

Pan Trinbago anticipates the presence of the Prime Minister and Tourism, Culture and Arts Minister Randall Minister at various events throughout the festival.

A formal segment will be held where ministers and other high-ranking officials have been invited to join in the celebrations.

“Their attendance will underscore the national importance of the Steelpan and its recent recognition as Trinidad and Tobago’s official national instrument.”

There will be performances by National Steel Symphony Orchestra Panosonic Connection Steel Orchestra, Massy Trinidad All Stars Orchestra, bp Renegades Steel Orchestra, Pan Elders Steel Orchestra, Shell Invaders Steel Orchestra, Republic Bank Exodus Steelband and Desperadoes Steel Orchestra.

with reporting by Kristen-Le Chelle Winchester