PANS ON THE PIAZZA 2026

7 bands, 5 hours of tunes and 9 months in the making. The annual steel band concert was held in St Peter’s Square, for the first time this year. Sensory Sounds – from Walthew House in Shaw Heath – started the programme with some great traditional favourites. Things speeded up with Panfire, playing up-beat numbers to get everyone dancing. Then it was a quick change over into Arthur’s Class Act. Named after Arthur Culpepper, founder of the North- West Steel Band Association. These highly experienced steel panners proudly keep Arthur’s legacy alive. Next came the Grove Groover’s, the first of our school band members. They practice in Hazel Grove and delighted everyone with their youthful experience and skill. They began their set with a duet of ‘Have A Nice Day’ with another of John’s bands, Pandemonium. Pandemonium was formed to celebrate Stockport as Town of Culture and were part of the concert marking the opening of Viaduct Park, along with Grove Groovers and other young steel panners. After Pandemonium’s set, St John’s School band with their band leader Mr B performed, hot-footing it from their summer fair performance the day before. The band were backed up by Paul from Pantonic All Stars, demonstrating how a skilled steel panner can just drop in where needed. The final first round slot was taken by Pantonic All Stars, hailing from Romiley and well know for their recent performance at Stockport Foodie Friday. The strains of Bohemium Rapsody again filled the air and drifted all around Stockport town centre.

We have all had a great time getting together and performing. The whatsapp chats are still buzzing. Thank-you to everyone who came to listen. We raised £114.49 from generous donations, which will all go towards next year’s concert. See you next year – same time, same place. NWSBA