Steelworks are based in Middlesbrough in the north east of England. In 2002, they started life as a pilot project to introduce pans into the cultural life of Middlesbrough funded by Middlesbrough Council Arts Development and the Arts Council of England North East.  This introduction was overseen by the experienced NTSB band leader, Dave Edwards.

In 2003, their current musical director, Brian Wise, took over the running of the band, a position that included project management, tutoring, arranging and fundraising. Brian, a resident of the North East for the last 25 years but originally from South East London, brought with him; experience as a senior manager in education as well as a background of Jazz and contemporary music to the band.

Steelworks grew to a band of 50 musicians, which really meant four bands under one banner. “A great squad with a strong bench and much rotation” says Brian

The band runs weekly practice sessions every Thursday throughout the year. These sessions enable players to learn new songs and to concentrate on perfecting old ones which are played on gigs and at community events when the four bands play collectively. Recent gigs have included Middlesbrough Music Live, Middlesbrough Mela and the UK conference of the National Black Police Officers Association.

Steelworks are regular performers in the Middlesbrough Town Centre, Park Bandstand, and Football Club. They provide schools and community workshops ensuring that the art form is properly marketed, this action has proven to attract more participants; including some ground breaking work with disabled youngsters.

Speaking to Brian he stated, ‘we are a relatively new band in the tradition of steel pans in the UK but we have much support from the communities in Middlesbrough and the North East. We have ambitions to develop into a nationally recognised band, supporting events in the UK and touring the Caribbean. In working to achieve this Steel Works are proud to have been accepted as a member of the British Association of Steelbands in 2005.’  Want to find out more about Steelworks then email them at steelworks@panpodium.com or visit their website www.steelworksband.com.