Celebrate Yorkshire’s Photography and Stories

Photography lovers, mark your calendars! Photo North Festival is returning to Leeds in 2025, promising a showcase of striking imagery, powerful storytelling, and an unmissable celebration of Yorkshire talent. From 11th to 13th April, The Carriageworks Theatre in Millennium Square will be transformed into a visual feast, offering visitors the chance to experience thought-provoking exhibitions, engaging talks, and exciting industry insights.

A Platform for Northern Talent

This year’s festival places a strong emphasis on Northern voices, featuring an exciting mix of social commentary, artistic exploration, and deeply personal narratives. The lineup highlights the region’s most compelling photographers, each using their lens to explore identity, society, and the human experience.

Among the standout exhibits is RAGING by Sarah Oglesby and Grace Wilkinson. This bold, unapologetic project amplifies the voices of women and gender minorities, challenging societal expectations and demanding space for anger, resistance, and empowerment. With its punchy, vibrant aesthetic, RAGING is set to be a festival highlight.

Photojournalist John Bolloten, renowned for his raw and unfiltered documentation of life on society’s fringes, will present his latest book, This is Not a Life, It’s Just an Existence. His five-year project exploring drug addiction, homelessness, and vice in Bradford will be showcased alongside an exhibition of his gripping images, offering a stark yet compassionate look at the realities of life on the margins.

For music lovers, Paul Berriff’s Rock Legends 1960s collection will be a nostalgic treat. A former Yorkshire Evening Post photographer, Berriff captured the rise of rock and roll, snapping intimate portraits of legendary musicians like The Beatles in their formative years. His work, now an iconic part of British music history, is a must-see for fans and collectors alike.

Simon Hill’s THE NORTH REVISITED brings a fresh perspective on the Northern landscape, building on the legacy of documentary photographer John Bulmer. Through Hill’s lens, the grit, beauty, and resilience of the region are reimagined, offering a contemporary take on its evolving identity.

Beyond the Exhibitions

Photo North Festival is not just about looking at pictures—it’s about engagement and opportunity. The Channel 4 picture team will be hosting portfolio drop-ins, industry chats, and presentations, offering invaluable insights for budding photographers. Attendees can also immerse themselves in iconic film memorabilia, including pieces from Trainspotting and Rita, Sue and Bob Too.

Curated by festival co-founders Peter Dench and Sharon Price, Photo North Festival 2025 is set to be an inspiring, thought-provoking event. “We’ve chosen works that provide powerful social commentary, exploring both the beautiful and the poignant,” says Price. Dench adds, “The North of England has always had a rich photographic tradition, and we’re proud to showcase the incredible talent this region produces.”

With an eclectic mix of exhibitions, talks, and screenings, Photo North Festival 2025 is shaping up to be one of Europe’s most exciting photography events. Whether you’re a seasoned professional, an avid enthusiast, or simply someone who appreciates the art of visual storytelling, this festival promises something for everyone. We shall see you there!