Competition puts the beauty of Northumberland in the frame
Picture the wonders of Northumberland National Park in new anniversary competition. Tony Henderson reports
The array of landscapes and features in Northumberland National Park have been described as a photographer’s paradise – and now people are being invited to prove it.
The park authority is launching a photography award competition to mark its 70th anniversary in 2026.
Entrants of all ages and abilities can submit images they have captured of the landscapes, wildlife, and people that make the park what it is.
With the advances in phone camera technology, the awards are for any images from any camera or phone, ensuring the photography award is open to everyone.
Northumberland National Park was officially designated in April 1956, and seven decades later it remains a showcase of natural beauty, nature and heritage.
This year’s photography award invites entrants to submit images under two themes:
People focuses on the individuals, communities and visitors who connect with the park.
Place highlights the scenery, wildlife and historic features that define it.
The award is open to anyone to enter, but under 18s will need the permission of a parent or guardian before entering. Photographs can be taken at any time, whether recent or in the past.
A panel of judges, made up of Northumberland National Park Authority staff and external partners, will shortlist entries and select the winners of the People and Place categories.
The shortlist will then go to an online public vote in February to decide the People’s Choice winner, who will be named the inaugural Northumberland National Park Photographer of the Year.
The winners of the People and Place categories and the People’s Choice winner will be announced in March 2026.
The People’s Choice winner will receive a money-can’t-buy experience – a day with a ranger visiting some of the park’s most striking and lesser-known scenic points.
The winners and all shortlisted works will also be displayed in a professional exhibition at The Sill: National Landscape Discovery Centre and online from April.
Tony Gates, park chief executive, said: “Every day we are lucky enough to see some of the striking images people share with us on our social media channels.
“Northumberland National Park is an inspiring landscape full of character and there is no shortage of creative inspiration in its 400 square miles.
“For our anniversary, we want to celebrate and share the unique moments people capture and display them professionally in The Sill where they will be seen by thousands of visitors.
“We invite everyone to show off their best shots, as all pictures tell a story or capture a moment in time, and they will help celebrate 70 years of one of the UK’s most iconic landscapes.”
For more information on the competition and to enter, visit Northumberland National Park website.