PANORAMA NOTTING HILL CARNIVAL
SAT URDAY 27 AUGUST
sweet sounds of steel
WORDS | KATIE SEGAL
In 1966, steelpan turned Notting Hill’s first parade into
a Caribbean carnival. You’ll find out why at Panorama, on Saturday 27 August. It’s a fiercely fought competition between Britain’s best steelbands, and the perfect occasion to experience the majesty and subtlety of this extraordinary instrument. If you’ve been to Panorama once, you probably won’t need persuading to go again. If you haven’t – well, one of the best of all carnival experiences is still waiting for you. The sound of some of Britain’s premier steel orchestras at full strength is not easily forgotten; a simple ‘ting tingting’ at the start heralding a thrilling aural explosion that takes over the senses. The distinctive atmosphere is composed of the smell of roasting chicken, carnival camaraderie and barbecue smoke from the stalls that flank Horniman’s Pleasance. The eight competing bands have been practicing hard for at least six weeks, trying to hone their skills enough to beat the opposition and win the much-coveted ‘Champions of Steel’ title. These and more bands will be on the road on carnival days as well. Panorama starts at 6pm and finishes at ten (although it often over-runs), and takes place at Emslie Horniman’s Pleasance, Kensal Road, W10 5EH. It’s free, and the nearest tube station is Westbourne Park. For more information about steel bands at Notting Hill Carnival, you can contact the British Association of Steelbands via www. panpodium.com. Many of the bands practice in public places in the days running up to Panorama, including several within the carnival footprint itself; for more information, check our events listing or contact your local band.
26 | CARNIVAL GROOVES 2016
2016 FINALISTS CROYDON STEEL ORCHESTRA Different Me (5Star Akil) Arranger David Ijaduola CSI STEELBAND TRUST Pan By Storm (Designer) Arranger Brent Holder MBE EBONY STEELBAND Cheers to Life (Voice) Arranger Duvone Stewart ENDURANCE STEEL ORCHESTRA Different Me (5Star Akil) Arranger Marlon Hibbert LONDON ALL STARS Soca Ruption (Simon Superville) Arranger Phil ‘DBL’ Rollock MANGROVE STEEL BAND Different Me (5Star Akil) Arranger Andre White METRONOMES STEEL ORCHESTRA Different Me (5Star Akil) Arranger Annise ‘Halfers’ Hadeed REAL STEEL Nostalgia (Carlton ‘Panman’ Harewood) Arranger Leroy Clarke