Melodians Steel Orchestra UK

It was created on the Caribbean island of Trinidad and Tobago in the 1930s and began in the underground culture due to a ban by the British colonial government, being first popularised by players such as Elliot "Ellie" Mannette, the Oval Boys and the Woodbrook Invaders.

One such assertion is that the first UK Steel Orchestra began when Trinidadian soldiers who were stationed in London at the end of WWII (possibly in the Caribbean Regiment), joined in the celebrations by playing their instruments.

[12][13] Fittingly, much of the inspiration for the band in the UK stemmed from the experiences of Terry Noel MBE during his time playing at the original Melodians Steel Orchestra in Arima, Trinidad.

[18][19] He further promoted the movement by founding the Steel Advisory Service in the UK in April 1988, an organisation intended to assist those that would like to create their own steelbands.

[22][23] Due to the pans within the Steel Orchestra needing to act as guitars, cellos and bass, sometimes along with instruments like maracas, cowbells and tambourines in the rhythm section, a broad array of players, specialities and skills are required.

[27][28] Michael Fuller, the first Black Chief constable, Commander and Deputy assistant commissioner within the UK, wrote about his encounter with the Melodians by Clapham Junction during his tenure at Battersea Police Station in the late 1990s.

[33] Michael Fuller wrote of his admiration for their community outreach work in the Winstanley and York Road Estates in the late 1990s, which inspired him to direct increased municipal funding towards them and convincing him that "its rising star .... coincided and perhaps contributed something to the area's change".

[37][38] As previously mentioned, the group's pre-eminent status within the UK steelpan community has meant that it has enjoyed considerable success over the years, not least with the award of an MBE for its leader in 2015.

[49] Terry Noel's precursor to the Melodians, "the Groovers", also recorded a CD for Princess Diana, which was presented to her on the birth of her son Prince William in 1982.