WYCOMBE is fast becoming a ‘hub’ for calypso music thanks to the launch of a school dedicated to the steelpan drum.

The town’s MP and mayor went along to celebrate the official launch of the School of Steelpan on Friday, at its new headquarters in Lily’s Walk, underneath Abbey Way flyover.

The school has been set up by the ‘St Vincent and the Grenadines 2nd Generation’ community group (SV2G), which works to promote African and Caribbean cultures in Wycombe.

It runs weekly sessions at the venue, called Central Park, on Saturdays from 10am – 4pm for everyone over the age of ten.

The school is linked to Wycombe Steel Orchestra, which has been selected to represent the Commonwealth at Buckingham Palace during the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations.

Jacqueline Roberts, chair of SV2G, said: "The orchestra are very well known in the area but this is the best thing that’s ever happened to them...I’m really looking forward to it."

Cenio Lewis, the High Commissioner of St Vincent and the Grenadines, also attended the party and said: "I like to keep in touch with our nationals in the UK and I know Jacqueline very well.

"She must have done a lot of work to get this place where it is. I’m absolutely sure this place will have a cohesive effect for the community."

He said High Wycombe’s population of St Vincent and the Grenadines nationals is about 3,000, with many islanders coming to Bucks in the 20th century to work in the furniture industry.