Steel Band

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The Pantonic All Stars Steel Band paid another visit to Ashton today to entertain shoppers. The youngsters, from nearby Stockport, are regular visitors to Ashton Market.

When they play at venues across the area, they raise money for their chosen cause, the Royal Manchester Children's Hospital Bone Marrow Trust Fund.

I am captivated by steel bands and love their infectious sound. I find it hard to understand how some people were able to walk straight past without stopping to listen! Most of the crowd watching were out of sight to the right of the photo. The picture was taken from the Town Hall steps to get a good view of the steel drums.

The name "Pantonic" refers to the steel drums, which are also known as "pans".

You can find out more about the Pantonic All Stars on their website or you can see several of their performances on YouTube, my favourite being their version of Bohemian Rhapsody.