Petrotrin Katzenjammers of Tobago kicked off a 20-minute delayed start to Panorama semi-final action at the Queen's Park Savannah under overcast conditions and an already moderate early afternoon crowd.
National Carnival Commission chairman Colin Lucas was beaming, declaring success for the pan component of Carnival celebrations so far.
In an interview with T&T Guardian, he congratulated Pan Trinbago for what he described as "excellent organisation" of Panorama this year.
Lucas said the challenges, when they occurred, were almost all related to "the late availability of funds".
Declaring the event open, Pan Trinbago president Keith Diaz noted that the annual competition was now in its 55th year.
His brief remarks came as the crowds filed in at The Greens, the fast-filling North Stand and the Grand Stand.
The Greens deejays were for the most part able to manage noise levels from the nearby party venue, though when Pamberi took its cue the thumping of speakers from that direction could have been heard.
Thirteen medium bands were vying to dethrone champs Pan Elders, which delivered an energetic rendition of the late Brigo's Limbo Break.
In line were 14 large conventional bands, 13 of which trailed bp Renegades at the preliminary stage.
Reigning champs Massy Trinidad All Stars played second in the line-up with a Leon "Smooth" Edwards arrangement of Lightning Flash.