The stage is set for the 2025 Independence National Schools Panorama, taking place this evening, Saturday, October 25, at 5 p.m. at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium.

The annual steelband competition, organized by the Antigua and Barbuda Festivals Commission, will feature performances from 15 school bands — six from the primary division and nine from secondary schools — under the theme _“Solid, Stable, Soaring.”_

DJ Ace will open the evening’s festivities, with hosting duties by Steve “Ibis” Freeland and music interludes by DJ Sparks between segments.

The primary school category will feature Bendals Primary, T.N. Kirnon Primary, Sunnyside Tutorial, Villa Primary, Nevis Street (Willikies), and Greenbay Primary.

Performances will include popular soca selections such as “Swimming Engine” by Burning Flames, “Nice and Slow” by King Onyan and Burning Flames, and “Don’t Go” by Claudette Peters.

Arrangers include Derel Jarvis, Devonson David, Khori JnoCharles, and Jonathan Mills, among others.

The secondary division boasts performances from St. Anthony Secondary, St. Joseph’s Academy, Ottos Comprehensive, All Saints Secondary, Irene B. Williams, Clare Hall Secondary, Christ the King High, Princess Margaret, Antigua Grammar, and Sir Novelle Richards Academy.Tunes of choice range from Claudette Peters’ “Out Deh” to Burning Flames’ “Stampede” and Onyan’s “Life Ah We Life.”

The competition will conclude with the judges’ decision and award presentations for both categories.

Admission is $10 for children and $20 for adults.