2026 Competition

26 February — 7 March 2026

Black and white piano keyboard illustration with visible black keys.
Abstract black and white pattern with vertical lines and curve cutouts.
a graphic brand shape
Graphic of horizontal lines with circles on and between them.
Five circles arranged in a diagonal pattern across horizontal black lines on a white background.
Black and white circular design with vertical and horizontal lines.
Illustration of piano keys
Black circular design with alternating solid and striped sections, resembling a geometric pattern or a stylized abstract emblem.
Woman playing grand piano in front of large historical painting in a dimly lit room.

Prizes

All five competitors who reach the final will receive a prize, and there will be two special prizes which are available to other competitors as well as finalists. Semi-finalists who do not reach the final will be awarded £150 each.

    • The winner of First Prize will receive a package worth approximately £35,000, including: 

    • A cash prize of £20,000

    • The Hastings Fellowship, an artist development and professional coaching package that gives opportunities to start and sustain professional careers in the creative industries.  

    • Professional engagements including a concert at Cadogan Hall with the Royal Philharmonic and a solo recital at the Wigmore Hall in London. 

    • Professional Headshots taken in Hastings before or after the final 

    • A cash prize of £10,000 

    • Professional coaching session by an experienced artist mentor 

    • Professional engagement opportunities  

    • Professional Headshots taken in Hastings before or after the final 

    • A cash prize of £4,000 

    • Professional coaching session by an experienced artist mentor 

    • Professional engagement opportunities  

    • Professional Headshots taken in Hastings before or after the final 

    • A cash prize of £3,000 

    • Professional coaching session by an experienced artist mentor 

    • Professional engagement opportunities  

    • Professional Headshots taken in Hastings before or after the final 

    • A cash prize of £2,000

    • Professional coaching session by an experienced artist mentor 

    • Professional engagement opportunities  

    • Professional Headshots taken in Hastings before or after the final 

  • A cash prize of £1,000 donated by Alistair and Arran Keith 

  • £500 - a special prize awarded for the best performance of the new commission by Sir Stephen Hough. 

2026 Jury

Image of Professor Vanessa Latarche

President of the Jury

Prof Vanessa Latarche

Read Bio

Competition Key Dates

Stage 1
26–28 February 2026

Stage 2
01–02 March 2026

Semi-finals 
04–05 March 2026

Finals
06–07 March 2026

Applications open: 
Monday 31 March 2025

Enter before 30 May 2025 for an Early Bird entry fee of £130 

£145 - Entries after 30 May

Closing date for Entries:
30 September 2025 

Invitations issued to 40 successful applicants:
1 November 2025

Competitors arrive
in Hastings:
24 February 2026

  • Person in white shirt playing the piano with a focused expression.

    Eligibility

    Competitors must be aged between 16 and 30 for the duration of the competition. (26 February 2026 - 7 March 2026). First-prize winners from previous competitions may not enter again. 

Silhouette of a grand piano on a black background

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