North Kensington steel pan band giving virtual shows amid carnival cancellation.
An award winning band has created a virtual Panyard to give performances during lockdown
The cancellation of Notting Hill Carnival due to coronavirus was the last shred of hope gone for many people that summer 2020 could be saved.
However, Metronomes Steel Orchestra, a North Kensington based steel pan band decided to move their performances online to connect with the community while in lockdown.
The band, which is the oldest steel pan band in the country, has created what they've called a "Virtual Panyard" where they conduct live steel pan sessions, DJing featuring calypso and soca, and a podcast discussing steel pan playing as well as community issues.
Eversley 'Breeze' Mills, the band leader, told MyLondon that the cancellation of Notting Hill Carnival is "unknown territory," but it's important to interact with the community at a time like this.
Mr Mills said: "Metronomes has a long and proud history of serving the community and we’re not going to desert them now"
The 47-year-old band has been broadcasting weekly to their community of steel pan lovers from the comfort of their homes. And through their sessions hope to celebrate Caribbean heritage, reduce social isolation and bring the community together.
By Thomas Kingsley
Mylondon.News
