Ilkley’s first photography festival launches with youth competition

photoILKLEY will run from 11th to 13th July

A new creative celebration is coming to town. photoILKLEY — Ilkley’s first-ever photography festival — will take place over three days from 11th to 13th July 2025, bringing together a vibrant collection of photographic exhibitions across multiple local venues.

In a commitment to nurture the next generation of artists, photoILKLEY will also host a Youth Photography Competition.

Dedicated exclusively to photography, the festival will explore the medium’s unique power to connect, question, and reveal fresh perspectives. Born from a grassroots passion for storytelling and community, the festival invites audiences to look closer — at Ilkley, at one another, and at the stories we live every day.

For its inaugural edition, photoILKLEY reflects on the timely theme: ‘Ilkley: Best Place to Live’. Inspired by Ilkley’s celebrated recognition in The Sunday Times Best Places to Live guide, the festival prompts visitors and locals alike to dig beneath the headlines: What truly makes a place the "best" — and whose experiences are being celebrated?

The festival promises an exciting range of thought-provoking work spanning exhibitions at Alpkit Store, The Art Shop Gallery, Tinker Gallery, Ilkley Arts Studio, and Ilkley Manor House.

Curated and founded by artist, creative producer and curator Andreea Chitan-Woodier, the festival highlights both documentary and conceptual photography that reflects care, memory, identity, and a deep connection to place. Andreea said:

“photoILKLEY isn’t just about showcasing beautiful photography—it’s about opening up conversations, challenging perceptions, and holding space for the stories that make this town what it is.”

“Whether you're picking up a camera for the first time or have spent a lifetime behind the lens, photoILKLEY invites you to experience Ilkley through fresh eyes — and to celebrate the rich, complex, and creative pulse of our town.”

Exhibiting artists include Laura Mate (lauramate.com), Charlie Swinbourne (charlie swinbourne.com), Zoe Dixon (@zoedixonphoto), Cath Muldowney (cathmuldowneyphotography.com), Mark Waddington (markwaddington.myportfolio.com), Benjamin Statham (benjaminstatham.com), and Rob Rowlands(@imaginethingsnow), each bringing intimate and deeply personal approaches to image-making.

The Youth Photography Competition is open to all up to 19 years old. Winners will see their work exhibited at Ilkley Manor House as part of the festival from 12th July to 3rd August.

Entries for the Youth Photography Competition closes on 16th June and more details are available at photoilkley.com