ExCo
Photo North Festival returns 13–15 March 2026 at The Carriageworks Theatre, Millennium Square, Leeds, celebrating photography from Yorkshire and beyond with three days of exhibitions, talks, screenings, and events.
This year, Yorkshire-based photographers are at the heart of the festival. Leeds photographer Joanne Coates presents Greenvoe and the Anti-Idyll, exploring the tension between modernity and tradition in Orkney, while Carolyn Mendelsohn’s intimate portraits examine motherhood and maternal mental health.
Yorkshire creatives Anne Worthington and Brandon Spivey also feature prominently: Worthington’s Young Skins captures youth identity and expression with raw honesty, and Spivey’s Class and Culture Films explores contemporary social narratives with cinematic depth.
Festival co-founder Peter Dench said: “Photo North Festival introduces or advances understanding of photography through exhibitions that inspire debate and engagement. Our Yorkshire artists are a vital part of this, showcasing the energy and creativity thriving across the region.”
Visitors can also experience a wide range of exhibitions, from Soulla Petrou’s 15-year chronicle of the UK music scene in Rewind, to Seamus Murphy’s Smoke and Mirrors, capturing life in Nablus over two decades, and winners of the Gurushots global photography challenges. The festival hosts the Ian Parry Photojournalism Grant presentation, highlighting emerging international talent.
Sharon Price, co-founder, added: “We’ve chosen thought-provoking works that provide social commentary while also celebrating beauty and creativity. Our Yorkshire artists exemplify the spirit of originality, inclusivity, and engagement that makes Photo North Festival unique.”
Photo North Festival is a hub for photographers of all levels, offering workshops, portfolio reviews, networking opportunities, and a vibrant atmosphere that festival-goers describe as “magical, supportive, and different from other photography festivals.”
More info: www.photonorthfestival.co.uk
