About Sussex Steel
Celebrating 20 years of community, education, and music.
Sussex Steel is a vibrant steelpan charity (CIO) dedicated to bringing the joy of steel music to Sussex and beyond. Founded over 20 years ago, our journey began as a small school band at Littlehampton Community School, created by Lee Nelson, then Head of Music. What started as a school-based activity quickly grew in passion and ambition.
With the support of the school, we expanded to multiple bands for different year groups, performing at school concerts, local events, and even taking our music abroad. Highlights of our early days include unforgettable performances at the Royal Albert Hall, Disneyland Paris, and the prestigious steel pan festival in Cudrefin, Switzerland.
As our ambition grew, so did we. Transitioning from our school roots, we established Sussex Steel as an independent charity. Today, we proudly run educational workshops, a schools’ programme, and a thriving community of adult and junior bands primarily based in Angmering and Brighton. Our doors are open to everyone, from complete beginners with no musical experience to seasoned performers looking to share their passion. Our doors are open to everyone, from complete beginners with no musical experience to seasoned performers looking to share their passion.
We now have a flourishing community of players and have performed at prestigious events, including at Brighton Amex Stadium and at a charity cricket match at Wentworth Golf Club. You’ll also find us at regular appearances such as Swanage Carnival and Brighton Pride, bringing the unmistakable sound of steelpan to crowds across the South.
As we mark our 20th anniversary this year, we are excited to continue spreading the unique and infectious sound of steelpan music. Stay tuned for more details about our special anniversary celebration — it’s going to be a moment to remember!
We are pleased to be supported by The Arts Council, Littlehampton Town Council, Littlehampton Lions Club, and Enterprise Mobility.
Sussex Steel is a vibrant steelpan charity (CIO) dedicated to bringing the joy of steel music to Sussex and beyond. Founded over 20 years ago, our journey began as a small school band at Littlehampton Community School, created by Lee Nelson, then Head of Music. What started as a school-based activity quickly grew in passion and ambition.
With the support of the school, we expanded to multiple bands for different year groups, performing at school concerts, local events, and even taking our music abroad. Highlights of our early days include unforgettable performances at the Royal Albert Hall, Disneyland Paris, and the prestigious steel pan festival in Cudrefin, Switzerland.
As our ambition grew, so did we. Transitioning from our school roots, we established Sussex Steel as an independent charity. Today, we proudly run educational workshops, a schools’ programme, and a thriving community of adult and junior bands primarily based in Angmering and Brighton. Our doors are open to everyone, from complete beginners with no musical experience to seasoned performers looking to share their passion. Our doors are open to everyone, from complete beginners with no musical experience to seasoned performers looking to share their passion.
We now have a flourishing community of players and have performed at prestigious events, including at Brighton Amex Stadium and at a charity cricket match at Wentworth Golf Club. You’ll also find us at regular appearances such as Swanage Carnival and Brighton Pride, bringing the unmistakable sound of steelpan to crowds across the South.
As we mark our 20th anniversary this year, we are excited to continue spreading the unique and infectious sound of steelpan music. Stay tuned for more details about our special anniversary celebration — it’s going to be a moment to remember!
We are pleased to be supported by The Arts Council, Littlehampton Town Council, Littlehampton Lions Club, and Enterprise Mobility.