Steel Scenes

One of the signature sounds of Notting Hill Carnival is the steel pan bands who march through the streets, filling the air with joyful calypso tunes. Now, 75 years since steel pan arrived in the UK, this ever-growing artform is the subject of a big riverside takeover at Southbank Centre, a month before carnival kicks off. There'll be loads of chances to listen to pan music, and to try your hand too. Find out about this instrument's fascinating history at 'Rhythm of History Exhibition' (Sat Jul 25, 11.30am), join a big Riverside Terrace takeover with Just Vibez assembling bands from across the UK (Sat Jul 25, 12noon), or head to Jubilee Gardens for Steel Legacies (Sun Jul 26, 12noon), a big get-together with pan orchestras and DJs.