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Sankofa Community Carnival: Introduction to Steelpan

With Endurance Steel Orchestra

,Fountain Room
Endurance Steel Orchestra on stage

Step into the vibrant world of Carnival arts this summer with these introductory steelpan workshops.

Endurance Steel Orchestra invites you to explore the steelpan, an instrument deeply connected to the Carnival arts. Over three workshops you will learn from Marlon Hibert and Endurance Steel Orchestra, unpacking the sound and soul of the pan and connecting through sound, culture and community.  

This participatory programme is part of Project a Black Planet: A Season and participants will be invited to be part of the Sankofa Carnival Band, which will present a Carnival-themed performance on Sunday 16 August.

Tagged with: Take part Project a Black Planet: Events & Gatherings Talks & events

Ticketing information:
This is a 3-week course. Dress rehearsals and performances will not be charged.  

There are limited subsidised places available. Get in touch with [email protected] for more information. 

Age recommendation: 18+  
Participants must be 18 years old or older to take part.  

Event information:
Light refreshments will be provided. Participants should wear comfortable clothes that they can move in 

The Sankofa Carnival programme is supported by The Mercers’ Charitable Foundation and the John S Cohen Foundation.

Workshops Information

The workshops take place over three sessions on Saturday 1 August, Friday 7 August and Saturday 8 August.

Rehearsals: 13 & 14 Aug

Barbican Performance: Sun 16 Aug

Sessions:

  • Saturday 1 August: 1-3.30pm
  • Friday 7 August: 5-7:30pm 
  • Saturday 8 August: 1-3.30pm 

You need to attend all three sessions.

Location:   
All workshops will take place at the Barbican Centre. Participants will be met at Silk Street Reception and taken to the workshop location. 

Performances  

These participatory programmes are part of  Project a Black Planet: A Season and will culminate in a Carnival-inspired performance at the Barbican on Sunday 16 August. Participants will be invited to be part of the Sankofa Carnival Band presenting the performance at the Barbican.

About Endurance Steel Orchestra 

Endurance Steel Orchestra is a dynamic organisation, with youth engagement and community cohesion at the core of what we do. Founded by Marlon Hibbert in 2009, Endurance aims to enrich the lives of young people through the art of steelpan. We perform regularly at parties, festivals, corporate events and weddings across the UK, and internationally.     

In 2024, we formed a Youth Steel Orchestra. This was to enable young people who have had experience learning the steelpan to have the opportunity to further develop their musical ability, and build confidence through performance. Including our professional orchestra, we now have four groups rehearsing and performing regularly.

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Fountain Room

Location
The Fountain Room is located on Level G. 

Address
Barbican Centre
Silk Street, London
EC2Y 8DS

Public transport
​​​​​​​The Barbican is widely accessible by bus, tube, train and by foot or bicycle. Plan your journey and find more route information in ‘Your Visit’ or book your car parking space in advance.