Hampshire Music Education Hub, led by Hampshire County Council’s Music Service, has 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 13 October.
The Parliamentary Jazz Awards recognise achievement and contribution across the UK jazz sector. Bringing together parliamentarians from both Houses of Parliament and representatives from leading music organisations, the awards celebrate the performers, educators and organisations helping jazz to thrive and reach new audiences.
Hampshire was shortlisted alongside Devon Music Hub, Northamptonshire Music and Performing Arts Trust and Lewisham Music Service before being named the national winner.
The award recognises the breadth of jazz education available across Hampshire.
Councillor Juliet Henderson, Hampshire County Council’s Executive Member for Education, 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.
“Congratulations to the young musicians, staff, schools and partners whose hard work and enthusiasm have made this national success possible.”
The County’s Youth Jazz Centre, which formed an important part of Hampshire’s nomination, includes two big bands and four jazz combinations, offering specialist tuition, workshops with professional jazz artists and opportunities to perform at venues in the UK and overseas.
More than 110 young musicians take part in specialist jazz ensembles, while outreach activities introduce over 1,400 primary school pupils to jazz each year. The Hub also works with schools, cultural organisations and professional musicians to help young people develop their skills, whatever their starting point.
Reacting to the announcement, Jonathan Cranston, Head of Hampshire Music Service, said:
“This award recognises the network of staff, schools and partners working together to make high-quality jazz education available to young people across Hampshire.
“Jazz gives young musicians the freedom to experiment, listen to one another and find their own creative voice. It helps them develop their confidence as well as their musical skills.
“We are delighted that the breadth and quality of Hampshire’s work, from introducing children to jazz for the first time to supporting advanced young musicians, have been recognised nationally.”
For those looking to know more about the Music Service and Hub, visit https://hantsmusichub.org.uk.