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
Ilkley Pre-School faces closure without urgent financial lifeline
MP shares update on redevelopment of Airedale Hospital
Age UK shop is Ilkley appeals for donations as stocks are low
Fuggle & Golding saved by Horsforth Brewery
Joanna seeks life-extending treatment after brain tumour diagnosis
Winners revealed for Ilkley Business Awards 2026
Airedale Hospital charity hits the road for its fifth annual World Book Day adventure
Yorkshire Water, what is happening behind all those blue hoardings?
Ilkley Cemetery's Beanlands Parade gates repairs
Local MP backs campaign to protect affordable residential experiences for young people
Claire Baxter Gallery announces closure in Ilkley
Ilkley's Annual Town Meeting and Citizen Awards 2026
Outside the Box and Ilkley Live make music together
New drone will be used 'wherever it is needed' to stop fly tipping
Calendar of events announced at Burley-in-Wharfedale Community Trust AGM
Experience the magic of opera at charity gala in Ilkley
Your Local Experiences earns thousands for local businesses in first month
Four Ilkley businesses in finals of Leeds Oliver Awards 2026
Ilkley Wharfedale Rotary involved with eradicating Polio worldwide
International Women’s Day talk to celebrate ‘Brilliant Bradford Lasses’
