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Pan In Trafalgar Square - UK
Trafalgar Square Pan Jamboree 2005
The Power of Steel!
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.
08-10-05
All photos by Robbie Joseph
All rights reserved
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