Melody, Chords, Chorus, Verse, Bridges, Syncopating Rhythms and the Circle of Fifths. Steelband music is very infectious and the virus is being spread at a fast and furious rate, so much so that we are hoping that it may soon reach global epidemic status. This artform is now firmly rooted into the fabric of multicultural Britain. 2008 sees the UK steelband community celebrating the 31st anniversary of the Notting Hill Panorma, ‘Champions of Steel’ competition. From its inception in 1978,From its inception in 1978, this iconic competition has grown in stature and has now attained the status as being the official start of the Notting Hill Carnival celebrations. Its move to Hyde Park, the heart of the world’s most diverse capital was the biggest transformation of this competition and marks another milestone of its achievement. BASFDF’s Pan Explosion 2K8 competition held in Fairfield Halls this year revealed that the future of pan rests safely with the youth. Our BAS/GLA Steelband Jamboree in Trafalgar Square was yet another success despite the inclement weather. The CAPCA/BAS Junior Panorama competition held on the 11th August continues to develop young pan musicians and acts as a feeder for the larger orchestras. We eagerly await our 31st National Panorama, Jouvert ‘Bomb Tune’ and Best Band on the Road competitions followed by our annual BAS Awards in December. BAS’s media machinery, Pan Podium, continues to actively support and promote the unselfish efforts of the global steelpan community to its world audience ensuring that the recognition struggle is always at the forefront with the global pan family reaping the fruits of their labour. Pan Podium’s mission is to spr ead the gospel according to Pan. Pan Podium continues to work closely with our global media partners to ensure that we are aspiring and achieving our common goal in unity. Pan 4 Life!