The John Lill Awards • 2026

Ongar Music Club is delighted to launch the 2026 Essex Young Musician of the Year Competition. The competition will be held in three rounds – the first (preliminary) round on Sunday 28th June, the second (semifinal) round on Sunday 5th July at 2:00 pm and the final round on the evening of 5th July at 6:30 pm. All rounds will be held in the Budworth Hall, Ongar and open to the public.

JOHN LILL CBE, the distinguished Essex-born pianist and President of Ongar Music Club, has generously agreed to Awards in his name being presented to the finalists in this annual competition. Full details of the competition are in the new prospectus, which you can download by CLICKING HERE. The closing date for entries is Friday, 31st May 2026. All candidates will receive a written report on their performances following the competition.

The first prize will be £1,000 together with offers of paid engagements. Other generous cash prizes will be awarded.

The Essex Music Scholar of the Year Award will be given to a performer under nineteen. This is a cash prize of £250, to be used for the advancement of their musical studies, and the Essex Music Scholar of the Year trophy to hold for one year. Three further prizes will be awarded to candidates under-19, not already prize winners in the 2026 competition, who have given outstanding performances.

This year, we are able to offer two discretionary bursaries to cover the competition entry fee. If potential candidates feel that they might be eligible, they should write in confidence to the competition administrator at the following email address: administrator@ongarmusicclub.org.uk

At the foot of this page are links to files detailing the Conditions of Entry together with the Safeguarding and Data and Performance Protection policies. Proceeding to enter the competition indicates that you have read these files and that you agree to the Conditions of Entry. Candidates are responsible for ensuring that their accompanying pianist (if applicable) also accepts the conditions detailed in these files.

For more details about the photo requirements for the competition, CLICK HERE.

Before proceeding to the entry form, candidates will need:
• The name and email address of a music professional prepared to write a reference, should this be required. Candidates must get their permission.
• Full details of all pieces you plan to perform.
• Details of your musical education and performing experience.
• The name of your accompanying pianist, if appropriate.

When candidates are ready to apply, they should CLICK HERE to proceed to the online Entry Form. You will need to enter the competition password EYMY84.

If you need help or any further information, please contact the administrator, Roderick Elms, who will be pleased to help: administrator@ongarmusicclub.org.uk

PICTURED TOP: Essex Young Musician of the Year 2024, finalists

THE COMPETITION was established in 1984 through the enthusiasm of key members of Ongar Music Club. It aims to support and encourage young Essex musicians of talent and potential, who will enjoy competing and performing in a welcoming, pleasant environment. Past prize winners have gone on to enjoy successful professional careers.

The Essex Young Musician of the Year Competition is open to instrumentalists and singers aged 28 or under who were born, attend school or college, or currently reside in Essex. For clarification, the London boroughs were reorganised in 1965, embracing towns and villages which were previously in the county of Essex. For the purposes of this competition, any town or village that was part of Essex prior to that date will be accepted as qualification for this competition. The map below shows the westerly towns/boroughs that qualify. CLICK HERE for a larger map.
Villages or towns which straddle the Essex border and which have an Essex-based postcode will also qualify. In case of uncertainty, please contact the administrator. Proof of eligibility is required.