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Hardwick Hall Celebrates Jazz and Black History Month

  //house-home.news-articles.net/content/2026/02/1 .. all-celebrates-jazz-and-black-history-month.html
  Published in House and Home on Thursday, February 19th 2026 at 5:33 GMT by BBC
      Locales: England, UNITED KINGDOM

HARDWICK HALL, DERBYSHIRE, England - February 19th, 2026 - Hardwick Hall, the magnificent Elizabethan stately home managed by the National Trust, is currently hosting a vibrant and insightful celebration of jazz music and its deep connection to Black history and cultural heritage. The event, timed to coincide with Black History Month, isn't simply a concert series - it's a multi-faceted exploration of a uniquely American art form and its profound impact on British culture, alongside a powerful statement of inclusivity from a traditionally conservative institution.

Since its launch, the 'Hardwick Hall Swings' event has drawn substantial crowds, exceeding initial expectations and prompting discussions about the National Trust's evolving approach to representing diverse histories within its properties. While the Trust has made strides in recent years to acknowledge and address its historical links to colonialism and slavery, this event marks a particularly proactive step in celebrating Black contribution to the arts and culture.

The core of the celebration revolves around live jazz performances, featuring both established and emerging artists. This year's line-up boasts critically acclaimed saxophonist, Imani Sterling, known for her innovative fusion of traditional jazz with contemporary sounds, alongside the renowned 'London Jazz Collective' - a group dedicated to preserving the spirit of early 20th-century New Orleans jazz. But the event extends far beyond mere musical entertainment. A series of interactive workshops led by music educators offer attendees the opportunity to learn basic jazz instrumentation, understand the origins of swing rhythms, and even compose their own short jazz pieces.

Exhibitions are a crucial component, delving into the historical context of jazz. Curated in collaboration with the Black Cultural Archives, the displays trace the journey of jazz from its roots in the African American communities of the Southern United States, through the Great Migration, and its eventual arrival and evolution within the UK. The exhibit features rare photographs, historical recordings, and accounts of key figures like Bessie Smith, Duke Ellington, and pioneering British jazz musicians of the post-war era. Notably, the exhibition doesn't shy away from acknowledging the challenges and prejudice faced by Black musicians, both in America and the UK, highlighting the resilience and determination that fuelled their artistic expression.

"We realised that simply acknowledging Black History Month wasn't enough," explains Eleanor Vance, Head of Programming at Hardwick Hall. "We wanted to create an immersive experience that genuinely explored a vital part of cultural history. Jazz, with its roots in struggle, innovation, and community, felt like the perfect vehicle for this." Vance further emphasized that the event is part of a longer-term commitment to diversifying the stories told at National Trust properties. "Hardwick Hall, like many stately homes, holds layers of history - some celebratory, some difficult. We have a responsibility to present a more complete and honest narrative, and that includes celebrating the contributions of all communities."

The decision to host the event at Hardwick Hall is also significant. Built during the Elizabethan era, the Hall represents a period of English history often viewed through a very specific lens. By juxtaposing the grand architecture with the energy of jazz - a genre born from a fundamentally different cultural experience - the National Trust is actively challenging conventional historical narratives. Visitor feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with many praising the event's thought-provoking nature and its success in creating a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere.

Looking ahead, the National Trust plans to expand this model to other properties across the country, exploring different facets of Black heritage and culture through music, art, and storytelling. Tickets for 'Hardwick Hall Swings' are still available, but organizers advise early booking due to high demand. The event promises not just an enjoyable afternoon of music, but a stimulating and enriching experience that will leave visitors with a deeper understanding of jazz, Black history, and the importance of celebrating diversity.