From the churchyard to the panyard

St Francis of Assisi RC Church in Belmont was brought to life on the night of February 7 when the churchyard was transformed into a bustling panyard with hundreds of people enjoying the music of four school-pan orchestras. The sweet sound of pan could be heard throughout Belmont as St Francis Boys’ College Steel Orchestra, Phoenix Steel Orchestra, Provi-QRC Steel Orchestra and St Francois Girls’ College Steel Orchestra, who placed second in the National Schools Panorama 2025, filled the churchyard with an infectious rhythm.

They played a variety of music from ‘DNA’ to ‘Dancing Queen’, ‘Jahaji Bhai’, ‘Woman on the Bass’, ‘Pan in A Minor’, Mical Teja’s ‘Runaway’ and a selection of 2025 hits and Chutney and Soca medleys.

The high standard of performance from these young people mesmerised the crowd.

The well-organised event included moko jumbies and all the old-time Carnival characters who mingled with the spectators and added to the festive atmosphere as they made their appearance throughout the evening.

All of this took place against the charming backdrop of the newly refurbished old Church, a stunningly beautiful National Heritage site built in 1902, which the parish community is proud to call home.

The parish priest, Fr Mikkel Trestrail said that the ‘Panyard Lime’ highlights the talent of the youth in Belmont and the potential for growth in the community of this historic town. He said the event, which is the first of many, not only brings people together, but showcases the positive aspects of Belmont, which builds community spirit, fosters unity among the people and  gives hope for the future.

–Linda Aboud Stephen