Contemporary Steel Pan for Weddings & Private Events
UK & Europe
A bit about me
I’m Mark Cherrie, a professional steel pan musician based in Brighton, specialising in weddings and events across the UK and Europe.
With over 30 years’ experience performing live, my focus is always the same: creating the right atmosphere for the occasion — whether that’s relaxed background music, a warm Caribbean feel, or something more vibrant. Every event is different, and I tailor the music, sound and energy accordingly.
My background
My musical journey began with cello and piano before I was introduced to the steel pan by my father, who ran a steel band after arriving in the UK from Trinidad in the 1950s — where the instrument itself was born.
From my teens, I was performing professionally and touring widely, learning the instrument at its source and working alongside many of the leading players of the day. That grounding in both musicianship and tradition still informs everything I do.
Alongside my work on steel pan, I also perform as a keyboard player and work extensively as a composer and produce music for television & film, with music featured in hundreds of programmes worldwide. This wider background gives me a strong understanding of sound, arrangement and how music functions in real-world settings — particularly live events.
Why clients book me
When booking music for an important event, reliability and judgement matter just as much as musical ability.
Clients value working with me because I offer:
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A calm, professional presence
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Music that’s always appropriate for the moment
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A flexible approach tailored to the event and venue
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A polished, high-quality sound with a discreet setup
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Decades of experience in high-pressure, live environments
Whether performing solo, as part of a duo, with vocals, or providing a DJ set, my aim is always to enhance the occasion rather than dominate it.
A considered, flexible approach
I perform live steel pan enhanced with integrated music technology, creating a rich, contemporary sound while maintaining a discreet and elegant setup. A compact, high-quality sound system ensures the music feels full and immersive without ever overwhelming the atmosphere.
This approach allows the performance to adapt beautifully to a wide range of settings — from private homes and garden receptions to corporate venues and destination celebrations.
Timings at events often evolve naturally, and I’m always happy to accommodate adjustments where possible. If the celebration continues beyond the original plan, live playing can usually be extended, and carefully curated background or DJ-style music can be provided to maintain the mood.
For weddings, I also offer a complimentary MP3 of one of my recordings for use in your wedding film — a thoughtful extra that many couples value long after the day itself.
Next steps
If you’d like to explore the different performance options available, you can view them here:
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Or, if you’re ready to discuss your event:
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