World Steel Pan Day being celebrated today with concert on Bay Street

Steelpan lovers around the world are today celebrating in various ways, what has been designated as World Steel Pan Day.

The official declaration of the day was made at the 77th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York on July 24, 2023, when a resolution put forward by Trinidad and Tobago was adopted.

Trinidad and Tobago is officially regarded as the home of the steel pan where it was first developed in the 1930s and gave rise to such bands as the All Stars which began under the name Hell Yard Boys and has shown the amazing resilience to stay afloat leading up to a remarkable century of existence.

The steel pan has the honour of being the only musical instrument to have been developed in the 20th century, but though spreading to all parts of the world, still struggles for official acceptance in the Caribbean as a whole.

It is considered to be the most adaptable musical instrument demonstrating its adaptability across a wide range of musical genres, beginning with calypso, soca, rapso and reggae, originating from the Caribbean to jazz and even the most intricate classical works.

The UN Resolution adopted praises the pan for having “created and cemented linkages to the arts, tourism, culture, and education as well as the science, technology and engineering sectors”. The Resolution also lauds the steel pan for impacting positively on gender equality, mental and health well-being, youth empowerment, socio-economic development and sustainability”.

The Youlou Pan Movement in a release said it celebrates with Trinidad and Tobago and the rest of the world with a street concert this evening, Friday, August 11. The concert is called “In D Streets” where Bay Street would be lined with our steel orchestras to showcase this wonderful instrument.

In Trinidad and Tobago activities including a street parade begin at noon with an official ceremony at 5:00 p.m.

The Starlift steel orchestra has the honour of being SVG’s oldest steel orchestra, having been in existence since 1967. It is by far the most successful local band having won panorama a record 25 times.