Jazz has always had a strong presence in the UK. There a few towns and cities where you will not be able to find the odd session and many have extensive and thriving scenes. Music education in schools and the tradition of brass bands has ensured a very healthy and diverse range of semi-pro bands and performers. In the upper strata, UK jazz musicians rank amongst some of the best the world. One thing that must be explained to the visitor from outside of the UK, is that a very high proportion of jazz sessions are held in pubs. This is great from one point of view, pubs a great places in which to both play and listen. But on the downside, pubs are subject to most curious rules concerning opening hours, so in general, there is a cut off point around eleven o'clock in the evening, though it is possible to find some after hours venues in the major cities.