Endurance Steel Orchestra

Endurance Steel Orchestra is a community steelband based at the Waterside Centre, Croydon, South East London.

The steelband was formed by the then teenager Marlon Hibbert in 2009. He was inspired to start a steelband after playing in a school steelband and later receiving financial support to buy pans. 

Endurance quickly evolved from a handful of players to more than 30 through its ethos of encouraging people to participate positively within their local community. It was not long before the steelband progressed from street performances and private functions to performing on the established steelpan circuit at events such as carnivals and national steelpan competitions

The band members range from primary school age through to adults, with many taking on active roles within the band. Some of the members also provide steelpan workshops as well as teaching steelpan music in schools throughout London.

Endurance currently offers children and adult steelpan classes on a 12 week cycle with opportunities to either perform or join the main steel orchestra.

So, what haven’t they done in the last decade?

2010 - Trafalgar Square.

2011 - Trafalgar Square, Brixton Windmill reopening precession and celebration. 

2012 - Notting Hill Carnival, London Marathon, South Norwood Arts Festival.

2013 - Pan Clash guest performers, Lord Mayor’s Show, Calabash Awards, Winter Concert at Stanley Halls.

2014 - Blockorama celebrating 50 years of Notting Hill Carnival, BBC Newsnight, ‘A Steel Christmas’ at St John The Evangelist, Upper Norwood.

2015 - Team building away day in Bournemouth, Tottenham’s first Blockorama, UK Panorama, Endurance ‘Live Album CD is released, International Steelband Festival Holland, Ambition Festival, 'A Steel Christmas' at St John The Evangelist, Upper Norwood.

2016 - London New Year’s Day Parade, Incisive Media Awards, London Marathon, Best Workplace Awards Ceremony, Junior Panorama, UK Panorama, BBC Back in time for Brixton, 'A Steel Christmas' at Stanley Halls.

2017 - London Marathon, DHJS London Pan Festival, International Steelband Festival Netherlands, London Pride Festival, Christmas concert - tribute to Stevie Wonder at Stanley Halls.

2018 - Flagz Mas Band Carnival Launch, Wandsworth Arts Fringe Festival, Crystal Palace Festival, The Tabernacle London, Croydon Pridefest, The first National Junior Panorama, UK Panorama, Woolwich Carnival, Pan Explosion, Christmas concert - tribute to the late Michael Jackson and Bruno Mars at Stanley Halls.

2019 - Winners of the Undiscovered Talent’s Best Entertaining Act category, Flagz Mas Band Carnival Launch, The Ends Festival, London Marathon, Radiate Windrush Festival, Croydon Windrush Party, The official opening of Legacy, Croydon, Endurance Steelpan Awards, Christmas concert - tribute to Beyonce: Endurance along with Youthayers perform as a steelpan combo at Stanley Halls.

2020’s first performance will be at the London New Year’s Day Parade.  

It could be said that Stanley Halls Performance and Arts Centre is the spiritual home of Endurance as it has been the sell out venue for many of their annual concerts. 

Now a noteworthy youth organisation, Endurance is also one of the UK’s most formidable steelbands. This can be seen as the steelband and its fanbase continue to grow by carrying the message of community and youth cohesion through music. Their experience gained and shared throughout the decade continue to help shape the lives and future of many people thus promoting our instrument, Pan.

Endurance - The ability to withstand hardship or adversity over a long period of time, truly personifies the attitude of the members and leader of this steelband.