At Camden Music, we love all kinds of music and believe that making music together is one of the best ways to have fun, be creative, and make new friends. Our new steel bands, launched in March 2025, have already brought together a brilliant group of young people who are learning, laughing, and growing in confidence every week. By giving them exciting opportunities—like performing at the unveiling of a historic blue plaque—we help them shine on stage and feel proud of what they can achieve through music.

The original carnival was organised by activist Claudia Jones in response to racist attacks on the Caribbean community in 1958. It was a joyful celebration of Caribbean culture, featuring steel bands, calypso music, dancing, costumes and food. Held in what was then St Pancras Town Hall, the event was broadcast by the BBC and inspired the Notting Hill Carnival, which now attracts around one million people each year.

The unveiling of the plaque was a powerful reminder of how music and culture can bring people together and create positive change. Camden Music were proud to be part of this historic moment.

📸 Photographs by Crispian Blaize
crispianblaizephotography.com | Instagram: @Crispian_Blaize_Photography

“I am very happy with the performance of the band for the blue plaque unveiling. The students were so professional; it’s hard to believe that it was their first gig. It has been a pleasure and an honour to work with such talented and dedicated children.”

Theresa St. Prix, Camden Music Specialist Steel Pan Tutor

“The steel pan performances by Camden Music  were an absolute highlight — they brought the rhythm, the joy, and the spirit of Carnival right into the heart of the Town Hall. We can’t wait to see more of their incredible talent showcased across the borough!”

Jemima Sam-Russell, Cultural Programme Lead, London Borough of Camden

The performance featured students from both the Camden Youth Steel Band and the Camden Training Steel Band, which were launched in March this year. It was also the first outing for our brand-new set of steel pans, funded by the Clothworkers’ Foundation and the Phoenix Trust. We are also grateful to KOKO Foundation for supporting the running costs of our rehearsals.

#WeMakeMusic

Both bands rehearse at the Crowndale Centre on Saturday mornings during term time:

• Training Steel Band (Years 4 to 6): 9:30 – 10:15 am
• Camden Youth Steel Band (Years 7 to 13): 10:30 – 11:30 am

Register via our online registration page. No experience is needed – all young people are welcome!
Regular rehearsals will resume in September.

🎶 Camden Music is a community, and we believe in the power of making music together. If you’re a young person who wants to make music, there’s a place for you here. Come and join us!