Trafalgar Square Pan Jamboree 2005 - Countdown to United Kingdom Steel Band Panorama 2005

(2005-08-16) When Steel Talks

United Kingdom - Over the past five years BAS has fully supported the Mayor of London in taking this icon (Trafalgar Square) to another level to be fully appreciated and enjoyed by local and national communities as well as global tourists.

The unpredictable English weather did not affect five top UK steelbands from appearing at the British Association of Steelbands (BAS) annual Pan Jamboree in Trafalgar Square. After the recent attacks on London the only explosion to be heard in Trafalgar Square on the afternoon of 31st July 2005 was one of sweet steelband music filling the air with renditions from all genres. As the evening progressed temperatures reached the high twenties, Trafalgar Square was transformed into a Steelpan Village. Ebony, Southside Harmonics, Pantasia, Stardust and Croydon steel orchestras entertained the crowds of visitors, tourists and supporters to the global land mark.

Over the past five years BAS has fully supported the Mayor of London in taking this icon (Trafalgar Square) to another level to be fully appreciated and enjoyed by local and national communities as well as global tourists.

Fuelled by the lovely weather, the ambience of the Square and crowd appreciation, the Square was transformed into an electric atmosphere, people were dancing everywhere. The five orchestras were dotted around the lower level of the Square and it was not unfamiliar to see the crowds moving to the left and then to the right.

Croydon steel orchestra positioned at the foot of the stairs which provided an amphitheatre setting, treated their audience to a varied repertoire and had the young members of the audience doing the ‘Crazy Frog’ dance to their rendition of Axel F. Stardust positioned at the North corner of the Square dished out some catchy renditions which received lots of compliments whilst Pantasia was again a favourite; with their Pan Jazz repertoire that pleased the crowds immensely.

Southside Harmonics’ young and capable players delivered some heart rendering tunes and had the crowd fully entertained and begging for more. The jewel in the crown was by no doubt Ebony, Europe’s finest. Positioned at the foot of Nelson column and between the two magnificent lions which after all is Ebony’s trademark, had the crowds entertained long after the scheduled finish. Pan virtuoso, Samuel Dubois, got the crowds involved by chanting and clapping to their renditions. Their submission to the public‘s request for more saw the Square’s heritage wardens put a stop to their performance owing to time restraints. Tradition saw Zena, the event flag woman, proudly waving a Trinidadian flag throughout the event. BAS has hosted yet another successful Pan Jamboree filled with a wealth of steel pan music. Don’t miss the 2006 Trafalgar Pan Jamboree

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