Photo North Festival 2026: World-renowned legends and emerging stars to shine in Leeds this week
The photography industry is set to descend on Leeds this week as the Photo North Festival brings a packed programme of exhibitions and talks to the heart of the city.
Running from March 13 to 15 at The Carriageworks Theatre, the festival has established a unique reputation for its atmosphere of "equality, informality, and mutual support,” with this year’s event promising a feast for the senses, blending social commentary with iconic pop culture photography and raw documentary projects.
One of the major highlights for music fans will be REWIND by Soulla Petrou. This exhibition showcases 15 years of the UK music scene (1994–2009), capturing the raw energy of Britpop and club culture.
Visitors can expect to see rare, film-shot images of a pre-famous Geri Halliwell, Sophie Ellis-Bextor, and Blur’s Damon Albarn.
In a stark contrast, the festival will also host ‘This is Also Motherhood,’ a collaborative exhibition by artist Carolyn Mendelsohn and the Maternal Mental Health Alliance. Through portraits and audio, the display reveals the often-hidden realities of maternal mental health, strength, and survival.
But the festival's commitment to social documentary remains at its core.
Seamus Murphy’s Smoke and Mirrors provides a powerful photo essay on the West Bank city of Nablus, while the work of Omar Ashtawy, the 2025 recipient of the Ian Parry Photojournalism Grant, will be presented direct from Gaza, while closer to home, the Leeds International African Arts Festival (LIAAF) will guest-curate an exhibition themed Earthwise, featuring vibrant reflections on creativity and community from multiple African photographic artists.
Co-founder and curator Peter Dench believes the festival’s unique format is what keeps people coming back to the North.
"Photo North Festival aims to introduce or advance understanding of the medium through our programme - to inspire and engage debate," Dench explains. "The creativity in planning the festival format, talks, and screenings is something unique to offer people."
Co-founder Sharon Price adds: "We’ve chosen thought-provoking works that provide relevant social commentary on some quite hard-hitting issues. We also have the beautiful and the poignant."
Alongside the headline exhibitions, the three-day event features portfolio reviews, workshops, book signings, and networking sessions designed for everyone from professional photographers to "keen amateurs" and casual observers.
Where can I get tickets to attend the Photo North Festival 2026?
Tickets for the 2026 festival can be purchased directly through the official event website right now.
General admission for a day ticket is priced at £28, while students and those eligible for concessions can access the festival for a discounted rate of £12 per day.
For those wanting to immerse themselves in the full three-day programme, a weekend pass is available for £60.
Families are also encouraged to attend, as children under the age of 15 can enter for free, provided they are accompanied by an adult.