Hells Gate Steel Orchestra

Friday: 8-10PM
Saturday: 8:30-10PM

The Hells Gate Steel Orchestra is the oldest steel orchestra in the world. It originates from “The Point” Antigua, W.I. The name was given by the residents of “The Point” Community. This steel orchestra won the first ever “Steel Band” Competition in Antigua in 1949. Hellsgate was also the first to perform in a church in 1950 at the St. Peter’s Anglican Church in Parham Town, Antigua. Governor Baldwin, Earl of Bewdley, was so fond of the steel pan that he sponsored the first ever competition in 1949. Hellsgate Steel Orchestra was also the first steel band to record on wax in 1952.

The Orchestra performed at the “Government House” on a number of occasions. In 1955 the orchestra entertained Princess Margaret at The Government House and again in 1960 at Royal Cove Beach, Antigua W.I. On March 2, 1960, the orchestra entertained Sir Winston Church Hill on a yacht, “Christina” which was docked at Nelson’s Dockyard at English Harbour.

Hellsgate Steel Orchestra has achieved many firsts. The most recent was on 29 October 2004 where the orchestra captured the first ever “Homecoming” Independence Steel Orchestra Competition.

The Hellsgate Steel Orchestra has won twenty (21) steel band competitions to date.

There are many places that the orchestra has toured namely:- U.S.A, Canada, West Germany, Mexico (Mexico City, Cozumel, Cancun Islands Isla Mujeres), Aruba N.A., Trinidad, Barbados, U.S. Virgin Islands, The Leeward Islands, Guadeloupe, London, Guyana.

The Hellsgate Steel Orchestra recently represented Antigua & Barbuda in the 14th edition of the Caribbean Festival of Arts (Carifesta) (2019) held in Trinidad.