The National Festival boasts many different competitions, but there is none like the Steel band Competition where you have no choice but to move and dance to those sweet Caribbean rhythms.

Though the steel pan is not indigenous to the Cayman Islands it has over the years become very popular with students as both a pastime and a means of earning extra money. The instrument itself is native to Trinidad and Tobago but can be seen on every continent.

As an instrument, steel pan can be found regularly highlighted in almost every genre of music but especially in Classical and Jazz; but home for the steel pan remains Calypso and Soca. It is not unusual to hear the unmistakable sound of steel now in Pop and Rhythm and Blues.

Last year was the first time such an event took place during the annual Pirates Week Festival. The steel band competition this year will be a part of the George Town Heritage day on Friday 20 November 2009.

It is expected to attract competitors from most schools in Cayman and even though there were only four bands taking part last year, it is expected that up to seven bands will compete for cash prizes of up to $1000.

At last year’s competition thousands of eager steel band lovers crowded the streets of downtown George Town just to get a glimpse of Cayman’s youngsters.

Sponsored by Motor & General as well as Scotia bank, entry forms for this competition can be picked up in the Pirates Week Office on 10 Shedden Road. Or you can give us a call at 345 949 5078 or send us an email at pirates@candw.ky