Steelband enthusiasts are invited to gather in downtown St. John's this Saturday as the Antigua and Barbuda Festivals Commission hosts Pan in the City, a pre-Panorama showcase featuring nine of the nation's leading steel orchestras. According to Antigua News Room, the event forms part of the official activities leading up to Carnival 2026.
The showcase begins at 3 p.m. in front of the State Insurance Company Ltd. building on Redcliffe Street, and is being held in partnership with State Insurance Company Ltd. A highlight of the programme will be the presentation of a sponsorship cheque from the Antigua and Barbuda Festivals Commission to the Antigua and Barbuda Pan Association — a gesture organisers say underscores continued support for the development of steelpan music and the broader cultural sector.
Minister Dwayne George, who holds responsibility for Carnival and Creative Industries, is also scheduled to deliver remarks at the event.
Nine steel orchestras will take the stage, offering patrons an early preview of the talent expected to compete in this year's Panorama competition. The participating bands are Hell's Gate Steel Orchestra, Halcyon Steel Orchestra, Westside Symphony, Original Steel Orchestra, Ebonites Steel Orchestra, Pandemonium Steel Orchestra, Panche Steel Orchestra, Harmonites Steel Orchestra, and Gemonites Steel Orchestra.
Several special guests are expected to attend, including members of the Antigua and Barbuda Festivals Commission, the reigning Queen of Carnival, contestants in the 2026 Queen of Carnival competition, and contestants in the ECAB Mr. and Miss Teenage Pageant.
Organisers say the event is designed to build excitement for Panorama while bringing steelpan music directly into the heart of the capital. Pan in the City is free and open to the public, and is expected to draw steelband supporters, Carnival enthusiasts, and visitors to St. John's as the country continues preparations for the annual summer festival.
