Pan Trinbago will be celebrating Steelband Month in August. This year's programme will coincide with the celebration of the Golden Anniversary of the Republic of Trinidad & Tobago's Independence.

In this regard, a number events and activities have been planned commencing with the visit to the Foundation Stone, St Paul Street, Port of Spain. This took place yesterday.

Highlight of the month's programme is the Annual Pan Trinbago Awards function. The formal affair is scheduled for Friday August 10 at The Festival Ball Room, Crowne Plaza, Wrightson Road, Port of Spain from 7 p.m.

This event will be held in honour of individuals, companies and groups who have made sterling contributions to the development of the pan and the Steelband Movement.

Other events include the Arrangers' Seminar at Community Development, La Fantasie Road, St Ann's, on Wednesday August 8 at 9 a.m; Pan on de Boardwalk, Chaguaramas, on Sunday August 12, from 4 p.m; Defenders of the Pan, aka Pioneers' Day at the Renegades Pan Theatre, Charlotte Street, Port of Spain on Wednesday August 15 between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m.; and Pan Night & Day—20th Anniversary of the Declaration of Steelpan as the National Instrument in all regions on Thursday August 30.

Junior steelbands have their own day. There will be a Youth Rally, on Saturday August 18 at The Paddock, Queen's Park Savannah, Port of Spain, from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Several other fringe events have been included on the itinerary. These include the Laventille Street Parade on Sunday August 5, Eastern Main Road, Laventille, 4 p.m.; Len "Boogsie" Sharpe in Concert, Friday August 10 and Saturday August 11, Little Carib Theatre, White Street, Woodbrook, 8 p.m.; Steelfestt Parade, around the Queen's Park Savannah, Monday August 20, 4 p.m.; Woodbrook Community Association Centenary Parade—Pan on de Avenue, Saturday August 25, 5 p.m. and Independence Day Brunches, Friday August 31 at various panyards.

The curtain comes down on these festivities on Saturday September 1 at the Carib Woodbrook Playboyz Pan Yard, where the band will be hosting its Independence Fiesta, starting from 5 p.m.