Striking the Right Note: Lightning Fibre Sponsor the Hastings International Piano Competition 2026
Lightning Fibre is pleased to announce that we will be sponsoring the acclaimed Hastings International Piano Competition (HIP) from 26th February to 7th March 2026.
The competition attracts emerging pianists from around the world to perform at The White Rock on Hastings seafront. Entrants are aged 16 - 30 years old.
Accompanied by Sinfonia Smith Square in the semi-finals and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra for the finals, and led by the British conductor Rory Macdonald, these musicians will simply take your breath away as they perform some incredible classical music.
Free Tickets
There are free tickets available for the first two rounds of the competition, thanks to the generous support of the Isabel Blackman Foundation.
So why not come along and see these phenomenal pianists in action at any point during the day - pop in on your own or with friends and family? You are welcome to stay for half an hour or all day!
Grab your free pass from the White Rock Box Office - for Thursday 26 February through to Monday 2 March.
There are even free tickets for people aged 18 and under for the semi-finals and finals. Adult tickets are available from the box office.
Rosa Amor, HIP's Learning and Development Coordinator, added more about free tickets, saying "We’re passionate about making classical music accessible to everyone. Our Free Ticket Scheme offers a portion of tickets to our recitals and the competition completely free for Community Groups (Charities, support groups, carers) and Public Service Employees (teachers, NHS workers, and emergency service personnel)." Contact Rosa for tickets.
Beethoven by the Beach
This year, forty pianists have been selected to take part. Over several rounds, the field will be narrowed down to just five finalists, who will each perform their chosen List B concerto with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.
This is the first time Lightning Fibre has supported the competition. “We are very lucky to have this fantastic cultural event on our doorstep - music brings so much joy to all ages. It’s really exciting to be part of an event that is helping to launch the careers of young musicians.” Emma Pearce, Head of Marketing, Lightning Fibre.
Big Prizes
The Hastings International Piano Competition has a long history in the town - this is the 18th year of the competition.
The winner will receive a £35,000 prize package, including £20,000 in cash and The Hastings Fellowship, a programme providing mentoring and career development for emerging pianists. Finalists also have the chance to secure high-profile performance opportunities, with additional cash prizes awarded through to fifth place.
Performances will be assessed by a jury of ten international music professionals, covering a broad range of experience and perspectives.
Are you a fan of the TV Show 'The Piano'?
Music in the Meadow is a wonderful event and everyone is welcome. A grand piano will be present in Priory Meadow in Hastings town centre and you could book a slot from 19 - 22 February.
Play a piece of music of your choosing on the Bechstein baby grand piano. Whether you're a complete beginner, returning to playing, or a seasoned musician, everyone is welcome, no matter your age and level.
About Lightning Fibre
Lightning Fibre brings full-fibre broadband to homes and businesses across East Sussex and surrounding areas. This spring we're also helping Hastings host the annual Half Marathon.
Right now, we’re excited to offer an incredible saving on all our home broadband packages - just £19 per month for the first six months! This special offer runs until 31st March. T&Cs apply.
Our local customer support team is available on 01323 380260 from 8am to 8pm every day, and you can visit us at the Enterprise Shopping Centre in Eastbourne, next to the railway station, Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.
You can also check whether our network is available at your address by using the postcode checker on our website. Businesses interested in connectivity options can email business@lightningfibre.co.uk.
