Luton’s Legacy of Steelpan

Luton has a long legacy of Steelpan, the iconic instrument brought over from the Caribbean by the Windrush Generation that has become an integral sound of UK Carnival. Steelpan in Luton has been documented as early as 1964 and has been part of Luton International Carnival since 1974.

UK Centre for Carnival Arts

Since 2009 the UK Centre for Carnival Arts (UKCCA) has been supporting the artform in Luton through various community and school programmes. Most notably the programme’s most successful band was Revellers Steelband, an adult band open to all communities that entertained crowds at Luton International Carnival as well as other community events and award ceremonies around the town. Unfortunately, the Covid-19 pandemic had great impact on the band which has not returned to its full form. With regular request from residents, UKCCA are currently seeking funding and sponsorship to revive an adult band in the community.

With support from Arts Council England and Luton Music Hub continued the Steelpan legacy in schools. With the large investment from Arts Council England and Luton Music Hub in more prosperous times we were able to buy Steel pans to provide resources and instruments for a number of schools across Luton and support the start-up of school bands.

Unfortunately, with the UK’s political and economic challenges greatly impacting UKCCA and Luton Music Hub’s funding and  school budgets, the school pan programme slowly declined. 

National Children’s Carnival Week

In 2021 with the inception of National Children’s Carnival Week (NCCW), a programme developed in response to the support required for children and young people returning to face-to-face teaching after the national lockdowns,  we took the opportunity to re-introduce Steelpan to schools. Working in partnership with Steelpan In Motion, we delivered successful taster workshops and small programmes of tutoring in schools and community youth settings.

Through the NCCW programme, in 2022 we supported Cardinal Newman Catholic School to showcase their band at Luton St Patrick’s Festival and Luton International Carnival. This was the band’s first experience of playing in a parade and ignited a passion in the teachers and students.

Luton International Carnival

In 2023, with the support of sponsorship from TUI, we launched a dedicated steelpan area at Luton International Carnival. It featured Cardinal Newman Catholic School, who we supported further by having their steelpans reconditioned and tuned, new band t-shirts and extra tuition from Steelpan In Motion, in preparation for the event.

“Wade's energy and enthusiasm really inspired the students. In one day, Wade, transformed the band from sounding like a School Band to sounding like we're coming out of Trinidad!” – Stanley Carter, Head of Music - Cardinal Newman Catholic School

Also, UFO Steelband, a leading Notting Hill Carnival band, led by Luton born actor and Luton International Carnival Champion, Colin Salmon.  We aim to develop and grow this steelpan zone as part of the annual event.

**Add video of UFO at LIC**

Our Dedication

With the growing demand for Steelpan in Luton from local schools, young people and adults, along with unused steelpan kits across Luton, UKCCA is dedicated to the revival of Luton Steelpan for all communities and the repurposing of resources and learning opportunities for the next generation.