As part of the 1951 Festival of Britain, The Trinidad All Steel Percussion Orchestra (TASPO) performed in the UK for the first time – forever changing the DNA of British music. Since then, the steel pan instrument has been a symbol of innovation and community powered creativity.
‘Steel Scenes’ presented a gala programme of concerts and steelbands from across the UK on the exact site where TASPO performed in July 1951.
The anniversary weekend took place on Saturday 25 and Sunday 26 July 2026 at the Southbank, Belvedere Road, London SE1 8XX.
Click here for more on Steel Scenes.
Reading All Steel Percussion Orchestra (RASPO), named in honour of TASPO performed on Saturday 25 July as part of a high energy line up of steel pan bands from across the UK taking over the Riverside Terrace with music from traditional calypso to modern day arrangements.
RASPO then took to the Clore Ballroom 3.45pm-4.30pm for a sold out Calypso Grooves workshop – a hands on session inviting you to pick up the pan sticks and experience playing in a real steel orchestra.
STEEL SOUNDS with Just Vibes – Sat 25 July from 12pm FREE
12.30pm: St Michael and All Angels Steel Orchestra
1.30pm: Pantonic Steel Orchestra
2.30pm: RASPO
3.30pm: Steel Pan in Motion
4pm: Panectar Nostalgia (this performance takes place on Queen’s Walk)
4.45pm: UFO Steelband
6pm: Impact Steel Band
8.30pm: Pantonic All Stars Steel Orchestra
