Photography festival returns to Ilkley for expanded second edition

PhotoIlkley, the photography festival founded by photographer Andreea Chitan, is returning to Ilkley for its second edition with expanded programming. The festival, which ran for eight days in its inaugural year, will now span nearly three weeks, with some exhibitions extended. This year’s theme, *Human: Nature*, offers artists broad interpretive freedom, building on last year’s *Ilkley: Best Place to Live*. Twelve photographers are participating, including Louise Rayner’s *Portraits of Our Time*, which documents care home residents through personal objects, and Zoe Boswell’s *White Passing*, blending Afghan heritage with Manchester landscapes. The festival includes workshops, talks, and a Young Photographer Competition, with winning entries displayed at Ilkley Manor House. Projects like Oluwakemi Oluwunmi’s *Home Is Where You Are* and Sarah-Lee Evans’ *Calculated Glitter* explore migration, resilience, and human experiences. Funding from Ilkley Town Council has supported the expansion, and organizers aim to secure additional grants to grow the event further. Chitan, who moved to the UK from Romania six years ago, runs the festival with a volunteer team. She noted strong audience demand for more venues and projects, which the festival now addresses. The event’s duration and artist roster have both increased, reflecting its growing influence in the local arts scene. Previous feedback highlighted the festival’s success, with attendees praising its creativity and community engagement. The festival’s diverse projects range from Tracy McIlhatton’s documentary on pregnancy to Xanthe Hutchinson’s exploration of teenage transition. Each work ties into the *Human: Nature* theme, offering varied perspectives on identity, memory, and environmental connections. PhotoIlkley’s expansion underscores its role as a platform for both established and emerging photographers in the region.