Real Steel

Real Steel are back at The Millennium Building on Wednesday 26 August, from 18:30 to 19:30. It's their annual open rehearsal, the one they hold before they head off to the Notting Hill Carnival, and this year marks the third time they've opened the doors to the public for it.

If you're not familiar, Real Steel is a Plymouth steel band known for Caribbean carnival music. They've built a name for themselves on the UK Panorama championships, and their musical director and arranger, Leroy Clarke, has led them through several of those championship runs. This rehearsal is a chance to hear them working through their set before they take it on the road to London.

It's an open session, so it's free to come along. The band describes it as opening the doors to locals, and it's open to everyone, not just people who follow the steel band scene. If you're into Caribbean music or the carnival side of things, this is a good way to see how they prepare for one of the biggest dates in their calendar.

One practical thing to keep in mind: the venue, The Millennium Building on Union Street, doesn't have disabled access. The rehearsal runs from 18:30 to 19:30 on Wednesday 26 August, and it's free to attend.