DURHAM MARKETS
PHOTOGRAPHY COMPETITION

“The Spirit of Durham Markets”

To celebrate 175 years of Durham Market Hall, we’re inviting photographers of all ages and experience levels to capture the spirit of Durham Markets – the people, places, details, and moments that make Durham Markets what it is.

From traders and customers to architectural details, outdoor stalls, and overhead views of the Market Place, this competition is about meaning, atmosphere, and connection, not just the building itself.

The Competition is Open to All Ages and Experience Levels
Categories:
o Under 13
o Under 18
o Adult (18+) (open to all, including professional photographers)

Photography Types Allowed:
· DSLR / mirrorless cameras
· Mobile phone photography

Unfortunately, no drone photography is allowed due to UK drone regulations and local restrictions affecting the Market Place. 

Ideas of What You Can Photograph:
· Traders and stalls (indoor & outdoor)
· Customers browsing and interacting
· Market Hall details (architecture, signage, textures, light)
· Market Place scenes
· Overhead / aerial views of the Market area
· Quiet moments and busy trading days

Image Guidelines:
· Maximum 3 images per entrant
· JPEG format
· Minimal editing only (colour correction, cropping, exposure) – NO AI-based imagery
· Images must be taken within Durham Market Hall or the Market Place

Copyright & Usage:
· Photographers retain copyright
· By entering, you grant Durham Markets permission to:
o Display images in exhibitions
o Use images for promotional and anniversary-related purposes
o Credit photographers wherever images are used

PRIZES:
All prizes will be awarded as Durham Markets gift vouchers, redeemable with traders at either the Indoor Market Hall or Outdoor Market.

Prize Breakdown:
Adult (18+):
Winner: £200 Durham Markets Gift Voucher
Runner-up: £50 Gift Voucher

Under 18:
Winner: £100 Gift Voucher
Runner-up: £25 Gift Voucher

Under 13:
Winner: £75 Gift Voucher
Runner-up: £25 Gift Voucher

Additional Recognition:
· Winning images displayed permanently in the Market Hall
· Selected images included in the 175th anniversary photo mosaic
· Features across Durham Markets website and social media

JUDGING PANEL:

Entries will be judged by:
· John Erwin – long-standing Saturday Outdoor Market trader
· Michael Walker – photographer at Northeast Captures and regular Craft & Producers’ Market trader
· Jon Platten – local creative behind Durham-themed designs sold at Bean to Brew

Judging will consider: Interpretation of the theme, Creativity and originality, Storytelling and atmosphere. Entrants’ names will not be shown to the judges to remove any potential bias.

KEY DATES:
Entries open: 1st February Entries close: 30th April Winners announced: 20th May 2026

You can enter the competition by completing this quick and easy form!

If you have any questions, please email Louisa at marketing@durhammarkets.co.uk, who will be happy to help.