Stockport residents will be treated to a little bit of Caribbean escapism this weekend.

A free steelpan festival is taking place in St Peter's Square on Sunday 12 July, from 11:30am-4pm, featuring no less than seven steel drum bands.

There are around 50 performers across the seven groups, aged between eight and 80.

The festival, dubbed 'Pan on the Piazza', is being organised by Stockport-based steelpan teacher and band leader John Unwin.

The steelpan was invented in Trinidad and Tobego in the early 20th century, and since then has become the country's national instrument.

John is chair of the North West Steel Band Association, as well as being a father of two in Heaviley.

He said he was 'so excited' to be bringing this music to Stockport town centre.

"The first time I organised a community steel band festival in Stockport was in 2015", he explained, "and this event builds on that activity.

"I am passionate about teaching and sharing the joy of steelpan music which I have been playing since the age of 11.

"I am especially proud to showcase the newest community band – Stockport's own Pandemonium Project Band, who first performed as part of the Town of Culture in 2024. Prepare for a varied and eclectic repertoire and bring your dancing shoes!"

Among the participating groups are some younger performers, for whom it will be their first opportunity to play music outside a school setting.

The groups include:

• The Pandemonium Project Band
• Arthur's Class Act
• The Grove Groovers
• Panfire Steel Band
• Pantonic All Stars
• St John's Primary Steel Band
• Sensory Sounds (a band for visually impaired musicians)

The show is expected to draw hundreds of onlookers throughout the day.

It aims to promote steelpan music as 'a serious and vibrant musical discipline' - contrary to its perceptions as a 'niche' instrument, this music is growing steadily within education and community music.

The pans and their players also showcase showcase musical range, technical skill and cultural depth.

The festival is being supported by Stockport Council and producers XTRAX.

(Steelpan image by Terry Ballard, licensed under Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic.)

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