North Stars Steel Orchestra~ UK Steel Pan Band

Hailing from Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, England, North Stars' Steel Orchestra is one of the UK's best established steel bands. As a band, we have been playing with as much love and passion for their instruments as Nelson Mandela with his beliefs! Now, in their third generation, many an established pan player has originated from North Stars', and consequently North Stars is now into its third generation driven by young UK-born musicians dedicated both to the tradition and to the new sounds of today.

Our extensive programme of education ensures a steady supply of talent and we always welcome a new face. We run weekly classes in over a dozen Kirklees schools which means that almost 200 local children get a chance to learn the instrument each week.

Since North Stars' establishment in 1975, This steel band has created history by being not only the first Northern steel band to win Notting Hill's PANORAMA (national steel band competition), but they were also the first steel band to do a jazz fusion, national tour, alongside the well renowned Trombonist Dennis Rollins on a 13+ date tour. The band have represented England in concert tours to France and Germany amongst other countries including the home of steel pan - Trinidad. Some of the players went to play in the world famous Trinidad carnival.

As well as this, North Stars Steel Orchestra has achieved success in it's own country too; playing on the much loved children's Television show Blue Peter, and were requested by the Trinidad football team to play for them in the 2006 World Cup, performances at major venues such as the Royal Festival Hall, Shakespeare's Globe and the London Old Vic, the honour of performing at the Labour Party's Centenary Birthday Party where we were presented to the ex-Prime Minister Tony Blair and wife Cherie. However, one experience that the band will never forget is playing in front of the Queen of England, during her golden Jubilee.

The band is in high demand for top notch events and is capable of catering for a range of performance requirements. For more information about North Stars' be it gig information or information about North Stars' members carrying out a workshop in your community/school, please contact Rachel Benjamin through the details provided.

Founders: Kelvin Benjamin, Leroy Sylvester

NOTTING HILL CARNIVAL

North Stars Steel Orchestra

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