Pan Fantasy Defends Eleven-Year Winning Streak

By Lincoln DePradine

Panorama, the Toronto competition branded as “Pan Alive’’ that determines the best-playing steelband in Canada, will be a watershed and an history-making one for whomsoever is adjudged the winner this year.

Pan Fantasy, if victorious in the Ontario Steelpan Association (OSA) contest, will extend their winning streak in the competition. Should they lose, it will be the first time a band – other than Fantasy – would have captured a Toronto panorama title in a dozen years.

Panorama 2026 will be a “fierce competition’’, OSA president Terrence Wilson told The Caribbean Camera.

“Panorama is a musical War. It’s going to be a stiff competition,’’ Wilson said.

Pan Alive is Friday, July 31.

Afropan, the oldest Ontario steelband and winner of 28 Toronto panoramas, did not participate in last year’s championship.

A source close to the steel orchestra – popularly referred to as “The People’s Band” – confirmed Tuesday that Afropan again will not be in competition this year.

The 2026 panorama will feature seven bands including Pan Fantasy, which is seeking their 12th consecutive victory.

Altogether, Fantasy has won a total of 13 panorama titles since their formation 40 years ago.

“Cyah Behave’’, a composition sung by Voice, is this year’s panorama selection of Pan Fantasy that is captained by bass player Wendy Jones.

Fantasy’s challengers include Impulse, which is participating in its first panorama.

Other competing bands are Pan Masters, New Dimension Steel Orchestra, St Jamestown Youth Steel Orchestra, Forest Creek Steel Orchestra, and Panatics Steelband Network.

“All the bands are practicing full force,’’ said Wilson.

On the evening of the panorama, he said, patrons will be entertained by a guest band, visiting Tobago-based RBC Redemption Sound Setters.

It will not be the only public appearance in Toronto by Sound Setters, who participate in the large band category at Trinidad and Tobago’s national panorama.

“They’re going to be on the road in the carnival parade,’’ Wilson said.

Sound Setters are also scheduled to perform at OSA’s “Pan in D Park – a free, family-oriented event – on Sunday, August 2, at Neilson Park in Scarborough.

On August 3, a blockorama at 808 York Mills Road – the panyard of New Dimension – will include a rendition of songs by Sound Setters.

The July 31 panorama, which is scheduled to begin 7 pm, is at Lamport Stadium, 1155 King Street West.

Adults’ tickets of admission are $50 each, and a senior’s ticket is $30 each.

OSA also is selling VIP tickets at $90 each. Youth – 13 to 17 years of age – can purchase a ticket at $20. Entrance to the competition is free for anyone 12 years and younger.

Tickets are available online at https://www.ticketgateway.com/event/view/torontopanorama2026

Panorama tickets also can be purchased at various outlets including M&A Discount Caribbean Store and Charley’s in Scarborough, and downtown Toronto at A Different Booklist, 779 Bathurst Street.

LJI reporter

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