British Association of Steelbands Awards

The British Association of Steelbands (commonly known as BAS) is an organisation created to support UK steelpan players and organisations related to steelbands. It is based at the Tabernacle, Powis Square, London. 

Its origin dates back to the Steelband Association of Great Britain (SAGB) - a charity formed to support the UK steelpan culture.

In 1980, the Brotherhood of Steel (BOS), also known as the London Brother of Steel was formed as a breakaway organisation to the SAGB. Its primary function was to support steelpan players within the London area and to promote 'steelbands' outside of the social scene. The BOS was based at the Acklam Community Centre, Ladbroke Grove, London. The SAGB continued to support the rest of the UK.

In 1995, the BOS restructured and changed its name to BAS in a bid to gain funding from the Arts Council, England. The BAS's remit was to support the whole of the UK.

In 1999, the BAS launched its bi-annual steelpan magazine, 'Pan Podium'. In the same year, the first BAS Steelpan Awards was held at the Tabernacle.

In 2001, the Pan Podium website was launched.

Between 2004 and 2012, the BAS was run as an incorporated organisation.

The Annual BAS Awards, which is now held at the Holiday Inn Bloomsbury leading up to Christmas, celebrates 'pan' in the UK.