National award won by Hampshire jazz education programme

Hampshire Music Education Hub, led by Hampshire County Council’s Music Service, won the Music Hubs and Schools Music Services Jazz Education Award at the 2026 Parliamentary Jazz Awards.

The award was presented at the World Heart Beat venue in London on Tuesday, October 13.

Hampshire Music Education Hub won the Music Hubs and Schools Music Services Award at the Parliamentary Jazz Awards 2026. (Image: Hampshire County Council)

The award celebrates the hub’s work in introducing children and young people to jazz, helping them perform and grow as musicians.

Cllr Juliet Henderson, executive member for education at Hampshire County Council, said: "This is a proud moment for Hampshire and well-deserved recognition for everyone who has helped to build such a strong and welcoming jazz programme across the county.

"Our Music Education Hub gives children and young people the chance to discover jazz, perform with others and develop their talent, from their first experience of improvisation and live music through to advanced study."

Hampshire’s Youth Jazz Centre was a key part of the nomination, featuring two big bands and four jazz combinations.

More than 110 young musicians take part in specialist ensembles, with outreach activities introducing jazz to over 1,400 primary school pupils each year.

The programme also includes workshops with professional artists and UK and overseas performance opportunities.