Mangrove Steel Band
The Mangrove Steel and Mas band have a long and prestigious history.
The Steelband was formed in 1980 from a 'pan round neck' group of the traditional type to a fully fledged modern orchestra. It was born out of the vision and determination of Trinidadian's living in the Notting Hill area in a quest to introduce the culture of Steelband and Carnival to the local youths of their community, thus ensuring the Caribbean art forms were handed down from generation to generation. A core element of thirty-five dedicated players rehearse and perform all year round, this group mainly consists of local teenagers. During the summer months this figure swells to well over seventy members as the band prepares to participate in the London Notting Hill Carnival and the UK's prestigious Steelband competition - Panorama. A competition at which the band has experienced an immense amount of success (winning on three occasions, runners-up for six others and coming third at last years championships) establishing themselves as one of Europe's premiere Steelbands.
The band has performed at a wide variety of prestigious events, venues and charitable gigs, both here and abroad; including performances in front of the queen and at the Royal Albert Hall and have also appeared on television. In addition to their live performances the band has also completed a debut album - "A Feel For Steel".
The Mas band have been participating in the Carnival procession since 1978 and have gathered a strong and loyal following of over one hundred masqueraders, in 1987 this number swelled to an impressive three hundred people. The ages of participants range from three to sixty-five years old. Themes in recent years have focused on; 'Pirates', 'When The Spirit Moves - Part I & Part II', 'Signs Of The Zodiac', 'World Of Sport', 'Sailor Ashore', 'Me Myself I Warrior', 'Indian Uprising', 'Wounded Soldier', 'African Sailor'. To date we have won 'Best Band On The Road' on four occasions and 'Largest Band On The Road' twice, together with various other awards. Our costumes have been exhibited at the Common Wealth Institute, The Royal Festival Hall and internationally. We work with two main designers, both of whose experience and knowledge of the arts of making Mas are extensive.
Both of the Carnival disciplines that we participate in offers a unique opportunity for the whole of our local community, young and old, whatever race, colour or creed, sex or ability to participate and work together within the band towards a mutual goal.
Both of our Carnival Arts projects are non-profit making and are funded by the kind donations of Charities, private sector sponsorship and revenue from performances.