Steel Strum perform Tubular Bells on steel pan at the Schools Prom

Alex (on steel pan) and Simon (guitar) started their partnership carol singing when they were just 13 years old. It was "rather bad", Alex admits when interviewed by Classic FM's Tim Lihoreau in the video below. 

Eight years later, the pair are playing full-time and preparing for a performance at the Royal Albert Hall in Music For Youth's Schools Prom. 

Schools Prom 2014: More pictures and videos >

So just what is the Stratocaster guitar of the steel pan world? Alex has one. It's a top-of-the-range chrome steel pan made in Trinidad.  

The steel pan-guitar combo is odd, and they always get a reaction from people they meet. Simon explains that they'll be setting up to busk on the high street and "people from the phone shop will come out and say 'what's all this?'" By the time they've played a number, the phone salesmen will be dancing in the shop!