VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) — The Virginia International PANFest was held in Virginia Beach this weekend.

Steel pan bands from across the country performed on the 24th Street Stage at the Oceanfront on May 10-11.

On Saturday, there was a steel drum competition presented by the Virginia Arts Festival.

National headliners included the Elite Pan Consortium, a group made up of the world’s best steel band musicians.

Groups from Ohio, Florida, Pennsylvania, Maryland and New York competed. Old Dominion University’s (ODU) Monarch Steel Band as well as local elementary schools also took part in the competition.

The winners were announced as follows:

  • High School class winner – Rhythm Project All Stars
  • Open class winner – ODU Monarch Steel
  • Grand Champion – ODU Monarch Steel

The Virginia International PANFest aims to create unity and awareness among steel bands from various backgrounds across the country. 

For more information about the PANFest click here.