The annual ‘Capture Kirkstall’ showcases the area and its people as seen through the eyes of the public. The competition is open to all photographers, professionals or keen amateurs. Whether you use a DSLR or a smartphone, the Art Trail wants to see your photographs exploring Kirkstall.
This year, there will be three categories, each of which takes a different look at Kirkstall. A panel of photography experts will review and select the winning photographs; a winner will be announced from each category. The winning images will be on show at Butlers, Kirkstall Forge, during the Art Trail (18 and 19 July 2026) and on display throughout August.
The three categories for this year are:
Unexpected Kirkstall – The organisers want to see images of Kirkstall that are unexpected. Think of the hidden corners, fascinating architecture and landmarks, and the places that reveal more about the area.
People of Kirkstall – The organisers want to see portraits of the people of Kirkstall. Whether they work, volunteer, or live in Kirkstall, share their story.
Wild Kirkstall – The organisers want to see the landscapes of Kirkstall. Explore the Kirkstall Valley, following the River Aire from the nature reserve up to the Forge. Or follow the Leeds Liverpool Canal as it passes through Kirkstall. Or take a walk in the woods of Hawksworth, Morris, and Batcliffe.
As a winner, your photograph will be:
- professionally printed and framed
- exhibited for a month
- published on the Kirkstall Art Trail website and social media platforms
You will also receive your framed photograph to keep.
For 2026, the Art Trail is introducing an online gallery for the photography competition. A selection will be chosen from the submitted photos. So even if your photo wasn’t printed and framed, you may still get to see it on show.
The Leeds-based judges are all professional photographers representing a range of specialisations. They are Hannah Platt, a visual artist and photographer who focuses on place, play, and the everyday; Jonathan Turner, a portrait and social documentary photographer; Rosie Dutton, an award-winning wildlife photographer and conservation videographer; and Stephen Cole, a versatile photographer with over 40 years’ experience.
Entry into the competition is free. However, entrants are encouraged to make a donation towards the Kirkstall Art Trail. Volunteer organiser Mindy says, “The Art Trail is a grassroots organisation and we rely on the goodwill of people. Every pound we can fundraise helps to keep the Kirkstall Art Trail thriving.”
For entry details and full competition rules and guidelines, visit ‘Capture Kirkstall’ on the Art Trail website. Entries must be submitted online by 21 June 2026.
2026 competition timeline
- Entries open: 1 December 2025
- Entries close: 21 June 2026
- Winners’ announcement: 13 July 2026
- Online gallery launch: 17 July 2026
- Winners exhibition: 13 July to 16 August 2026
About Kirkstall Art Trail: Established in 2015, its aims are to encourage engagement and education in all forms of art. Organised by volunteers, it is community-focused, helping to boost local connections. They have a variety of successful venue partners, including business, community, heritage, and residential.
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