Pan Yaad 2026 Returns with ‘Fete & Foam’

Pan Yaad is bringing together some of Belize’s leading steelpan groups and an international guest band from Trinidad and Tobago for this year’s September Celebrations.

The 2026 edition, themed “Fete & Foam,” is set for Saturday, September 12 at 7 p.m. at Government House Compound in Belize City and features Pandemonium, UB Steel, SJC Rebels, Panerrifix, SCA Unplugged and other performers, with Trinidad and Tobago’s 868 Ignition joining the lineup.

Josef Ward, band leader of 868 Ignition, said performing at Pan Yaad is an opportunity to represent Trinidad and Tobago during Belize’s national celebrations.

“I’ve been following Pan Yaad since about 2017, so I know this is one of the premier events happening around Belize celebrations,” Ward said.

Ward said the band’s participation is significant because, according to him, 868 Ignition is the first band from Trinidad and Tobago to come to Belize to perform at Pan Yaad.

“We know that Pan Yaad is really the premier event, so coming to be a part of this means a lot because we get to represent Trinidad,” he said.

Ward said steelpan has a way of bringing people together through music and movement. “Once you hear steel pans you have to dance, you know you can’t just stand still,” he said. “You have to move your body in some kind of way, so it’s something that connects with our soul and our Caribbean identity.”