Steel Scenes

Steel pan groups from across the UK descend on the South Bank this weekend for one of the biggest ever live steel pan performances!

75 years ago this summer, South Bank was the venue for the Festival of Britain, a landmark event that transformed the bomb-shattered South Bank of the river into a colourful celebration of culture and innovation. Amongst a host of other exciting events, the Festival of Britain was the very first time that a steel pan had ever been heard live in the UK.

As part of Southbank Centre's 75th anniversary celebrations, they are marking the occasion by bringing together steel pan collectives from across the UK for a weekend of live performances.

Steel Rising

Fri 24 Jul, 5pm, Riverside Terrace, Free
Youth ensembles capture the power of the steel pan as a community force at a day of free performances, each bringing a fresh perspective to pan.

Steel Sounds with Just Vibez

Sat 25 Jul, 12pm, Riverside Terrace, Free
A high-energy line-up of steel pan bands from across the UK take over the Riverside Terrace, with music from traditional calypso to modern-day arrangements.

Steel Pan Reimagined

Sat 25 Jul, 5.30pm and 8.30pm, Royal Festival Hall
Seventy-five years since the sound of the steel pan arrived in the UK, a suite of dazzling new commissions celebrates its incredible heritage and bright horizons.

Steel Legacies

Sun 26 Jul, from 12pm, Jubilee Gardens, Free
In a full day of free performances on the new Jubilee Gardens stage, Southbank Centre's brings together an incredible selection of the UK’s finest steel bands.