On Sunday, June 28, 2026, the waterfront district of The Carenage in Grenada transformed into a vibrant hub of rhythm, joy, and communal connection, as the third annual We Pan Fest kicked off at the Pedestrian Plaza. The one-day cultural gathering united hundreds of attendees spanning generations—from local families and emerging steelpan musicians to established performing artistes, small business vendors, and out-of-town patrons—all gathered to honor one of Grenada’s most cherished cultural traditions.
Organized by Senator Claudette Joseph in partnership with the local Carenage community, the festival carries a dual mission: to preserve and elevate Grenada’s iconic steelpan heritage, while creating tangible economic and social opportunities for local creators and small entrepreneurs. For Senator Joseph, the event is far more than a concert—it is a vehicle for community-building rooted in shared cultural identity.
“We Pan Fest continues to reflect my mission of community development through culture, togetherness and opportunity,” Joseph shared in her remarks during the festival. “It is a joy to see The Carenage filled with families, musicians, vendors and residents celebrating something that belongs to all of us. This is how we build pride in our communities and create spaces where people feel connected.”
This year’s iteration marked notable growth for the still-young festival, expanding its steel orchestra lineup from four groups in 2025 to six ensembles in 2026, giving attendees a broader, more dynamic showcase of Grenada’s thriving steelpan movement. The lineup welcomed first-time participant Corinthians Steel Orchestra, alongside returning favorites including River Road Pan Wizards, Republic Bank Angel Harps, IMA Rainbow City All Stars, Nexa New Dimension, and the reigning Panorama Champions Co-op Bank Commancheros.
Beyond steelpan performances, the full evening of entertainment featured a diverse lineup of homegrown Grenadian vocal and performance artistes, including Blaka Dan, General PP, Temptress, L.E.D. Bad Artiste, Zeal, Khaos, Alma Boy, Hitz, and Yung Pert, with acts curated to appeal to attendees of all age groups.
The festival also incorporated heartfelt commemorative moments that honored the legacy and community of steelpan in Grenada. Aligning with the seasonal timing of the event, Senator Joseph led a tribute to recognize the lifelong contributions of fathers who have dedicated their time and talent to advancing the steelpan art form. Attendees also paused for a moment of silence to honor pan players who had passed away in the 12 months leading up to the festival, acknowledging their enduring impact on Grenada’s cultural landscape.
The event earned high-level support from Grenada’s national leadership, with Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell making a special appearance to greet the crowd and deliver a short address affirming his backing for the festival and the broader Grenadian steelpan community. Mitchell also posed for photos with the newly formed Corinthians Steel Orchestra during his visit.
As the final notes of the evening rang out across The Carenage, organizers expressed their sincere gratitude to every group and individual that contributed to the festival’s success, including performers, vendors, corporate sponsors, volunteer staff, the production team, the Royal Grenada Police Force, and every patron who attended. Already, planning work is underway for the 2027 edition of We Pan Fest, which is scheduled to take place on Father’s Day, as the event solidifies its place as one of Grenada’s premier annual celebrations of culture, community, and national pride.