Pan Clash 2025
Sunday 16th November 2025
Bush Hall, 310 Uxbridge Road, London W12 7LJ
3pm - 8pm
£10 Entry Fee £5 Under 12's
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Pan Clash
Elevate the Soloist
Celebrating Steel Pan Excellence
Thank you to everyone who joined us for Pan Clash 2024! This annual celebration of steel pan culture continues to honour the incredible talent of young soloists and the vibrant steel pan community. Pan Clash brings together rising stars in steel pan music to compete, collaborate and inspire audiences with their skill and passion.
A Platform for Rising Stars
Since its founding in 2007, Pan Clash has provided a platform for young steel pan soloists to showcase their talent and gain recognition. This prestigious event, held each October/November, remains central to our mission of promoting steel pan culture and empowering the next generation of musicians. This year’s competition featured two categories: the Under 16s and the 16-24 age group, highlighting the versatility and depth of talent among young musicians.
2024 Highlights and Performances
Pan Clash 2024 saw standout performances, with Lushan Dennis retaining his Under 16s champion title in a striking performance of DNA by Mical Teja, and Jostin Makindu emerging as the 16-24 champion with Pan in A Minor by Lord Kitchener. Both young soloists showcased exceptional skill, with Lushan performing the challenging feat of using four sticks on double tenor and Jostin demonstrating remarkable growth and musical maturity.
Newcomers from Glissando Steel Orchestra added fresh energy to the Under 16s category, particularly Albi Knell, whose dynamic performance left a lasting impression on the audience. The 16-24 category captivated with unique improvisation rounds, and songs like Buttercup by Carl Anderson and The Toco Band by Lord Kitchener brought diversity to the competition.
Upcoming Pan Clash 2025
Join us in 2025 for the next edition of Pan Clash, where we’ll continue to celebrate young soloists and the steel pan art form. We look forward to welcoming you to this annual event as we continue to promote excellence in steel pan music.
Stay Connected and Relive the Experience
Catch up on all performances from Pan Clash 2024 on our YouTube channel. You can now also watch interviews with performers in this new video. Thank you for supporting Steel Pan Trust and Pan Clash—your involvement helps us preserve and share the rich cultural heritage of steel pan music with future generations.
Bring Steel Pan to Your Space: Fundraising Performances for Town Centres & Shopping Centres
Thank you to everyone who supported our Spring Performance Collection 2025. Over three days during the Easter break, our Steel Pan Trust trio performed at St Albans Museum + Gallery and outside Iceland on Rickmansworth High Street, raising £840 to support our charitable work and inspire communities through the power of steel pan. One of the highlights was a vibrant performance of Cheerleader by OMI, which caught the attention of passersby and brought joyful energy to the streets. Watch the video on YouTube
Our street performances take place during the Easter half term and the Christmas season starting in November, transforming public spaces with live steel pan music. These fundraisers support our ongoing programmes and showcase the joy that live music brings to communities of all ages.
Over the years, we’ve performed in town centres across the UK, including Hammersmith, Oxford Street, and Greenford in London, as well as Chichester, Oxford, Eastbourne, Canterbury, Winchester, Bournemouth, Southampton, Southend-on-Sea, Coventry, Cambridge, Milton Keynes, and Hillingdon.
We currently have an ongoing partnership with Feltham Centre and Southside Shopping Centre for seasonal fundraising performances. We welcome similar collaborations with other shopping centres, town centres, and retail locations who are interested in hosting live music events with purpose. If you’d like to invite us to perform at your location during our next Christmas or Easter fundraising season, we’d love to hear from you.
All inclusive steel pan workshops
Upcoming all-inclusive workshops in Ealing, Acton, January February 2026.
More information coming soon.
Harmonise with Us
Join the Steel Pan Trust as we harness the unifying power of music. Our all-inclusive steel pan workshops, scheduled in Ealing, Acton, offer a rich tapestry of experiences for people from all walks of life. Open to everyone aged 5 and above, these workshops are perfect for families, individuals or friends eager to embark on a musical adventure.
You are welcome to come to any session, whether it's just once or multiple times. We encourage you to join us and experience the joy and creativity that comes from playing the steel pan.
A Family of Sound: F.A.M.I.L.Y.
Our workshops are more than just music sessions—they are a celebration of community values. We define FAMILY as Friendly, Accessible, Multicultural, Inclusive, Local and Young at Heart. It's a space where all are welcome, regardless of age, background or musical expertise.
Acton Workshop 6pm - 7.30pm
Location: Acton Gardens Community Centre, Unit A, Munster Court, Bollo Bridge Rd, London W3 8UU
What to Expect
Each workshop is a symphony of experiences. You'll be treated to a mesmerising steelband performance that resonates with energy and rhythm. And then, the spotlight turns to you. Through our interactive workshops, you'll have the opportunity to play your own steel pan. You'll learn a piece of music during each session, immersing yourself in the art and beauty of the steel pan.
An Instrument for All
The steel pan is a unique instrument that offers a gentle learning curve. With its accessible basics, it doesn't require any prior musical experience. In fact, it's entirely possible for a group with varying musical backgrounds to create a simple melody together in a short span of time. Whether you're a seasoned musician or someone exploring music for the first time, the steel pan welcomes all.
Everyone's Invited
Age knows no bounds in the world of music. We extend our warmest welcome to people of all ages and abilities. While we recommend children from the age of 5 and above, we believe that music's beauty lies in its universality—it knows no age limit.
Join us in discovering the harmonious magic of the steel pan. Let's create melodies, build connections and craft memories that will resonate for a lifetime.
“Our family had an absolute blast at the Ealing workshops! We all learned to play a melody so quickly, and our tutor was fantastic. It's a fun and inclusive experience for all generations.”
“This workshop was absolutely fantastic! The tutor was so engaging, and I had a blast learning to play the steel pan. It's a great experience for anyone interested in music.”
“Attending these workshops with my daughter, who has special needs, was an incredible experience. The inclusive environment and the patience of our tutor made it so enjoyable. We learned melodies together in no time!”
Harmony in Diversity: A Festival of Music
Every summer, a harmonious crescendo reverberates across the country as dedicated school bands gather from far and wide. These bands don't just perform; they inspire, connect and learn. The occasion? School-O-Rama—a festival that's more than just music; it's a celebration of roots, culture and community.
A Melodic Tapestry
Since its inception in 2014 as "Classorama," this festival has evolved into School-O-Rama—a vibrant tapestry woven with performances, workshops and a spirit of togetherness. Over the years, more than 30 schools have graced its stage, with over 500 pupils uniting annually during the school summer term.
Preserving Heritage, Fostering Unity
School-O-Rama isn't merely an event; it's a bridge to our roots, a portal to our culture. It's where connections are forged, where origins are celebrated and where the ties that bind us together are strengthened. This festival isn't just about melodies; it's about socialisation, entertainment and weaving social networks that enrich the pan community.
Music as a Beacon of Joy
In a world that often feels monotonous, School-O-Rama stands as a beacon of joy. Its liveliness and energy inject positivity into our lives, a much-needed balm for the soul. On the day of School-O-Rama, the atmosphere transforms—positivity reigns supreme and the air is filled with the sweet notes of music.
A Symphony of Unity
At School-O-Rama, diversity dances with unity. The event embodies community cohesion, building social capital that extends far beyond its notes. It's an affirmation that music has the power to not only entertain but also to unite hearts, enrich lives and create a shared tapestry of memories.
Celebrating Life's Vibrancy
In a world that yearns for vibrancy, School-O-Rama emerges as an oasis of enthusiasm and jubilation. It's a reminder that music can be more than just a melody—it can be a lifeline, a source of connection and an embodiment of positivity.
Secondary School Champions
Stepney All Saints Steel Orchestra
The Stepney All Saints Steel Orchestra, made up of talented young musicians aged 11–18, are the 2025 School-O-Rama secondary champions, delivering an exceptional performance under the guidance of tutor Mr. Kyron Akal. Known for his work with top UK steelbands including Metronomes and Mangrove, Kyron has cultivated a group whose repertoire spans a wide range of genres, offering something for every audience.
Their standout performance at Blockorama 2024 earned them the £2,000 cash prize, and they returned in 2025 with a powerful set that led them to victory. As part of their prize, they performed at the Barking Carnival on Saturday 13th July 2025, representing the spirit of musical excellence and community that School-O-Rama stands for.
The Stepney All Saints Steel Orchestra is no stranger to prestigious stages, having performed at the Royal Albert Hall, Houses of Parliament, Trafalgar Square, and the Lord Mayor’s Show Parade. Their continued presence at School-O-Rama is a testament to the power of steel pan education in schools and the extraordinary outcomes it produces.
Primary School Champions
Harris Academy Coleraine Park
Harris Primary Academy Coleraine Park continue to establish themselves as one of the top primary school steelbands in the UK, claiming their fifth School-O-Rama victory since 2017. Their dedication, consistency, and distinctive clean sound reflect the excellence nurtured by pan tutor Mr. Dan Sadler, who also leads another high-performing band, Harris Academy Philip Lane.
In 2024, the band won the £2,000 cash prize from UKON Careers and proudly represented their school with a vibrant performance at the Barking Carnival. Their performance repertoire includes appearances at the London Excel Centre, Pan Nation Blockorama, and numerous school events. Their 2025 School-O-Rama performance of Tremble It by Destra Garcia once again demonstrated their musical strength and energy, as they declared their intent to “make the ground shake and for you to shake ah leg!”
