From 4pm Saturday devotees will start their pilgrimage to Emslie Horniman’s Pleasance to stand in awe before that shrine to steelpan power and glory, the Panorama stage. This year’s titans of steel are Croydon SO, Ebony SB, Mangrove SB (defending champions), Metronomes SO and Pan Nation.
Panorama is as much a social as a musical occasion, a chance to lime with a beer in your hand and a bite to eat to see you through to midnight. Large screens (plural, we’re told) should make viewing easier, and the sometimes lengthy intervals while one band moves out and the next sets up will be filled by music from the resident DJs.
Yes, we all know that once upon a time Panorama was free to attend, but don’t complain too loudly about the price because the ticket money is split among the performing bands and they darn well deserve it. Hopefully, this will make it possible for more bands to take part in coming years, which would be a good thing.
Competing Bands
Mangrove Steelband (Defending champions)
Croydon Steel Orchestra
Ebony Steelband
Metronomes Steel Orchestra
Pan Nation
- Tickets: £20, kids £7, u5s free, Click for Info and Tickets.