Trafalgar Square Pan Jamboree 2010

BAS celebrated its tenth anniversary of hosting their BAS/GLA Steelband Jamboree in Trafalgar Square this year. Over the past ten years BAS has fully supported the Mayors of London in taking this iconic location (Trafalgar Square) to another level to be fully appreciated and enjoyed by local and national communities as well as global tourists. Fuelled by the warm weather, the ambience of the Square and crowd appreciation, the Square was transformed into a stimulating steel band village with people dancing everywhere. Six top UK steel bands appeared at this year’s Jamboree. The orchestras were dotted around the lower level of the Square and it was not unfamiliar to see the crowds drifting from orchestra to orchestra as they played alternatively. 

Sunday 02ndAugust 2010 saw the sky covered in dark clouds with a threat of rain showers but this did not deter the pan musicians The sweet strains of sweet steelband music filled the air around Trafalgar Square with renditions from all genres. Endurance, Harlow, Sounds of Steel, Ebony, CSI and London All Stars entertained the crowds of visitors, tourists and supporters at this global land mark.

Endurance Steel Band led by their founder and musical arranger, Marlon Hibbert, certainly entertained their audiences with their repertoire. This ‘young’ steel band is one to watch as they were only formed in 2009. Harlow Steel Orchestra positioned at the south east section of the Square to the left of Endurance certainly had the audience dancing to the sweet sounds of steel. Samuel Dubois has done some inspiring work with these young pannists. 

Sounds of Steel positioned at the foot of the stairs which provided an amphitheatre setting, treated their audience to a varied repertoire. Dan Sadler and Pete Beadell continue to inspire this young band of musicians. Their young pannists dished out some catchy renditions which received lots of compliments.

Ebony Steel Band Trust, acclaimed to be Europe’s finest, positioned at the foot of Nelson column and between the two magnificent lions which after all is Ebony’s trademark, certainly entertained their audience with their varied repertoire. Their captain, Albert Faustine, certainly knows how to motivate his members to deliver pristine performances.

CSI Steel Band Trust positioned to the right of Nelson’s Column certainly treated the crowds to some lively and melodic music. Pan virtuoso, Brent Holder, has certainly administered large doses of musicality to his young musicians and his invigorating solos on the tenor pan bore witness to this. Their submission to the public‘s request for more saw their performance surpass the scheduled time. 

To the right of CSI was London All Stars led by the legendary, Frank Rollock, this all family banddelivered some nostalgic and heart rendering tunes and had the crowd fully entertained. Frank continues his musical journey to mould and develop his young, skilful and capable children and grandchildren into a musical force for the future. 

As is traditional, Liz, the event flag woman, could be seen proudly waving her Trinidadian flag in front of each band throughout their performances. BAS/GLA has hosted yet another successful Steelband Jamboree filled with a wealth of steel pan music. Don’t miss the 2011 BAS/GLA Trafalgar Square Pan Jamboree

Pan 4 Life