UK NATIONAL JUNIOR STEELBAND PANORAMA 2026 ROUNDUP - CROYDON STEEL ORCHESTRA
Croydon Steel Orchestra (CSO) is a youth and community steel band that was set up in 2000. CSO was reformed after their predecessor, Croydon Schools Steel Orchestra folded. The orchestra consists of musicians from two regional area steel bands in Croydon: New Addington and Woodside. The orchestra's musical director is Paul Dowie and he is responsible for the musical arrangements. CSO aims to promote “pan” as a style of music and the steel band as a family of instruments in their own right. CSO also aims to promote the tuition of steel band in schools, enabling as many children as possible the opportunity to learn the art of pan.
CSO at the 2025 Junior Panorama
CSO has been competing in the UK National Steelband Panorama competition for the past twenty three years. Their first appearance in 2003 was iconic for their players. Paul Dowie, the Founder and Musical Director/Manager of this steel orchestra has certainly created a musical platform for the young people of Croydon and surrounding boroughs to attend, learn, experiment, explore and perform musical renditions in various genres at numerous venues. Their players were part of the UKASPO band who played at the Queen’s Jubilee in 2022 at Buckingham Palace.
CSO Jamming at the 2025 Junior Panorama
Paul continues to inspire his band of youthful, talented and energetic players to achieve their best results at all times.
Marlene Francis and Paul Dowie on percussion.
This year, CSO’s Junior Panorama band will be made up of twenty eight players.
Musical Director: Paul Dowie
Managers: Leanne Finch-Tanner and Marlene Francis
Arranger: Jadeel Kato
Captains: Maggie MacCarthy and Jacob Hackett
Tuner: Emily Lemmerman
Tune of Choice: Lightning Strikes Twice – Eunice Peters
There are three steelbands vying for the title this year, Ebony Steelband– the reigning champions, Endurance Steel Orchestra and Croydon Steel Orchestra.
The event is hosted by NHC/BAS, and will be held on the 29th August 2026 at the Emslie Horniman’s Pleasance Park, Kensal Road, London W10 5EG.
The gates open at 4:00p.m. and the event ends at 12:00 a.m. with the Junior Panorama competition starting around 5:00 p.m. and the Main Panorama competition starting at 8:00p.m.
Tickets are available online @ nhcarnival.org/panorama.
Tickets: £20
Children - £7
Children under five accompanied with an adult - Free
