This summer, Ilkley becomes a lens for reflection, storytelling, and visual exploration.
From 11–13 July, photoILKLEY — the town’s first-ever photography festival — will bring a vibrant, grassroots celebration of photographic art to multiple venues across Ilkley.
With free exhibitions hosted in cafés, galleries, community spaces, and even a disused phone booth at Ilkley Train Station, the festival is as much about the location as it is about the lens.
Founded by local curator and visual artist Andreea Chitan, photoILKLEY is built around a simple yet powerful idea: that photography can bring people together, spark conversation, and deepen our connection to the places we live, Andreea said:
“Ilkley is full of stories — quiet ones, proud ones, overlooked ones, We wanted to create a space where those stories could be seen, shared, and celebrated. Photography allows us to pause, to look again, and to ask deeper questions — and that’s what this festival is all about.”
This inaugural edition is themed “Ilkley: Best Place to Live,” inspired by the town’s recent top ranking in The Sunday Times Best Places to Live guide. But the festival isn’t interested in simply confirming the accolade — instead, it asks: What makes a place the best? And whose experiences define it?
A Festival of Many Perspectives
More than a dozen photographers will exhibit work exploring identity, memory, landscape, and community. Highlights include:
● A booth with a view by Ilkley Camera Club
● The Good River by Benjamin Statham, a personal and poetic journey along the River Wharfe.
● A Black-and-White Reflection on Ilkley’s Landscapes and Lives by Mark Waddington - What does "best" mean – and for whom?
● In the Company of Dogs by Rob Rowlands, a charming photo essay born from helping out at a local pet shop.
● Lifted by Charlie Swinbourne, a moving series marking the 50th anniversary of Ilkley and District Good Neighbours.
● Unadorned by Cath Muldowney, a black-and-white portrait series of the Gypsy and Traveller community.
● Dear Phyllis by Zoe Dixon, an imaginative reconstruction of a life through decades of found postcards.
● Faces of Bradford by Laura Mate, a portrait project linking Ilkley to the broader Bradford district.
● Favourite Things About Ilkley, created by artists with learning disabilities from the Outside the Box Café photography group.
● Young Photographer Competition on display at Ilkley Manor House
Festival venues include Ilkley Arts Studio, Tinker Gallery, Alpkit Store, Friends of Ham, The Art Shop Gallery, Clarke Foley Community Hub, Outside the box Cafe, Ilkley Manor House, Disused Phone Booth in Ilkley Train Station - all hosting exhibitions free and open to the public.
Opening Night & Events
The official opening event takes place on Saturday, 12 July from 5–8 PM across Ilkley Manor House and Ilkley Arts Studio.
On Sunday, 13 July, visitors can take part in two special events at Ilkley Manor House Courtyard:
● A cyanotype print workshop led by local artist Zoe Platt (11 AM – 12 PM)
● A fashion photography talk with award-winning local photographer Xanthe Hutchinson (2–3 PM)
Both events are free, but places are limited and must be booked via the festival website.
Looking Forward
photoILKLEY is more than a photography festival — it’s a snapshot of Ilkley’s creative spirit, its diversity, and the many ways people see and shape the town they call home.
Andreea adds:
“It’s not about picture-perfect views, it’s about creating space for reflection — and inviting everyone in.
"Whether you're an artist, a visitor, or simply a curious local, photoILKLEY promises a weekend of discovery, dialogue, and fresh perspectives — one frame at a time."
photoILKLEY runs from 11–13 July 2025, with select exhibitions continuing into August.
For full listings, event booking, and venue details, visit: www.photoilkley.com
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