Patrick bouncin’

There was a late start to the night time activities on Coffee Street, but this did not stop hundreds of spectators who chose to wait it out on the streets to hear the sweet sounds of steel and witness the mas.

Manning’s arrival caused quite a stir among spectators when he “bounced in” at about 6 pm with Hazel walking at is side. Walking unaided and wearing a broad smile Manning lapped up the adulation given by those in the crowd who recognised him.

Many ran to greet him with some of those wishing him well and asking if photos could be taken with him. Manning’s arrival came days after he also made a surprise appearance at the Calypso Monarch semi-finals (Kaiso Fiesta) at Skinner Park.

Manning, who has been absent from Parliament for well over a year, recovering from a stroke he suffered at his home, has been well enough to make the Carnival rounds much to the delight of his supporters and friends.

At exactly 10 pm, four hours after the scheduled start of the pan competition, the first steelband Southlanderz Steel Orchestra of Union Hall, San Fernando crossed the stage in front the judges.

Also taking part in the competition were the San City Steel Orchestra, Old Tech Steel Orchestra, Southern Marines Foundation and Junior Sammy Skiffle Bunch. At midnight, a few costumed bands began appearing much to the relief of the long suffering spectators.

Late into the night, what was quite noticeable among the spectators, were scores of young children including babes in arms on the streets. There was a heavy police presence on the streets. The police officers received support from a large contingent of soldiers who were on mobile patrol. Around 2 am, police made an announcement from their vehicle asking persons to leave the streets and go home.

Those present got the opportunity to see a burst of colour and energy from masqueraders in bands such as Lionel Jagessar’s Lakota Dream, Ivan Kallicharan’s Rise of the Olympians, Fireworks Drink to Dat, Roger Mohammed”s Athaye — Tribute to Gilbert Maynard and others who crossed the the Coffee Street judging point in the Parade of the Bands competition.