Hastings faces high deprivation, youth unemployment, and socioeconomic disparities in cultural engagement. The 2024 ESCC Public Health report and Hastings Borough Council’s cultural strategy highlight the role cultural organisations can play in tackling social isolation and low youth aspiration. Current barriers include cost of tickets, transport, and the decline of music education within schools. Despite the fact our competitors are young, we have a paucity of young people in our audience.

The Competition brings high-calibre, young pianists and renowned orchestras to Hastings. In 2026, we’ll make it accessible to all, especially young people, through: - Free early rounds & concessions. - Music in the Meadow, a public piano event with open slots for anyone to play. - Painted Piano Project, working with partners to decorate pianos to put in public spaces. - Youth volunteering & internship opportunities. - Live streaming, competitor interviews, & an audience vote.