Photo North Festival returns to Leeds this spring with exciting photography exhibitions featuring The Beatles and Ewan McGregor

A still image from the film Trainspotting showing four people in the countryside
Trainspotting (Image credit: Channel4)

The sixth annual Photo North Festival will bring a vibrant celebration of photography to Leeds, England, this spring, showcasing a mix of world-renowned and emerging talent. Presented in one of the UK’s most culturally rich cities, the festival promises an exciting lineup of exhibitions, talks, screenings, networking opportunities, book signings, and more.

Running as a key event for the photography community in the North of England, this year’s festival will showcase compelling projects that capture stories from around the globe, offering visitors a chance to witness the power of visual storytelling firsthand – there is no better way to experience photography than the physical form!

(Image credit: Mike Abrahams)

Among the highlights of its many exhibitions is How Do You Dance in a War Zone?, a touching collaboration between photographers Maria Falconer and Paul Hill and Ukrainian dancers in Kyiv and Lviv. The project explores the resilience of movement and physical expression during the devastation of war.

Mike Abrahams’ This Was Then documents three decades of life in Britain, capturing pivotal moments before and after Margaret Thatcher’s time as Prime Minister. Paul Berriff’s 1960s Rock Legends will offer music fans a glimpse into the golden era of rock, featuring intimate portraits of legendary artists.

The festival will also include The North Revisited by Simon Hill, which builds on John Bulmer’s iconic images of Northern England in the 1960s and 1970s, and Svalbard People by Graeme Chesters, exploring life in the Arctic Circle through striking portraits.

The Beatles (Image credit: Paul Berriff)

In addition to the exhibitions, visitors have the opportunity to engage with the Channel 4 picture team during portfolio drop-in sessions and industry talks. In addition, the event will feature a special showcase of photography and ephemera from iconic films such as Trainspotting and Rita, Sue and Bob Too.

Whether you’re a photography enthusiast or an industry professional, Photo North Festival is an opportunity to immerse yourself in the creativity and cultural impact of contemporary and classic photography.

For more information and ticket details, visit the Photo North Festival website.

(Image credit: Barry Lewis)

You might also like

Check out our articles on the Siân Davey: The Creative Body: Photographs 2014 – 2024 exhibition and the David Hockney: Pieced Together exhibition.

Kalum Carter
Staff Writer

Kalum is a photographer, filmmaker, creative director, and writer with over 10 years of experience in visual storytelling. With a strong focus on photography books, curation, and photo editing, he blends a deep understanding of both contemporary and historical works.

Alongside his creative projects, Kalum writes about photography and filmmaking, interviewing industry professionals, showcasing emerging talent, and offering in-depth analyses of the art form. His work highlights the power of visual storytelling, fostering an appreciation for the impact of photography.