If you’re a UK photographer looking to plan your year, 2026 is shaping up to be full of unmissable photography exhibitions and events in London and beyond. From world-class exhibitions to major trade shows, this is our month-by-month breakdown of the biggest events and must-see shows for photographers in 2026.
January 2026
The Societies of Photographers Convention & London Photo Trade Show
14–17 January 2026 | Novotel London West, Hammersmith
Europe’s largest photographic convention featuring masterclasses, talks, and a major trade show.
🔗 thesocieties.net
London Art Fair (Photo50 + Photography Focus Day)
21–25 January 2026 | Business Design Centre, Islington
Home to the curated Photo50 exhibition, highlighting thought-provoking contemporary photography.
🔗 londonartfair.co.uk
February 2026
Taylor Wessing Photographic Portrait Prize Exhibition
Until 8 February 2026 | National Portrait Gallery
Prestigious portrait photography competition showcasing global talent.
🔗 npg.org.uk
Lee Miller: Dressed
Until 15 February 2026 | Tate Britain
A major retrospective of Lee Miller’s fashion and documentary photography.
🔗 tate.org.uk
37th LIP Annual Exhibition
5–10 February 2026 | Espacio Gallery, London
Themed “Light : Dark,” showcasing works by members of London Independent Photography.
🔗 londonphotography.org.uk
March 2026
The Photography & Video Show
14–17 March 2026 | NEC Birmingham
The UK’s biggest event for photographers and filmmakers.
🔗 photographyshow.com
Photo North Festival
13–15 March 2026 | The Carriageworks, Leeds
A vibrant festival featuring exhibitions, screenings, and talks.
🔗 photonorthfestival.co.uk
April 2026
Sony World Photography Awards Exhibition
Spring 2026 (dates TBC) | Somerset House, London
Showcasing award-winning and shortlisted images from across the globe.
🔗 worldphoto.org
May 2026
Photo London 2026
May 2026 (dates TBC) | Olympia London
International photography fair featuring galleries, vintage and contemporary works.
🔗 photolondon.org
Peckham 24
Late May 2026 (TBC) | Peckham, London
Experimental contemporary photography festival running alongside Photo London.
🔗 peckham24.com
Summer 2026
Travel Photographer of the Year (TPOTY) Exhibition
Dates TBC (late summer 2026) | Royal Geographical Society, London
An annual exhibition celebrating the best in global travel photography.
🔗 tpoty.com
Autumn 2026
Wildlife Photographer of the Year
Until 12 July 2026 | Natural History Museum, London
Exhibition of the world’s top 100 wildlife and nature photographs.
🔗 nhm.ac.uk/wpy
Bristol Photo Festival
October 2026 | Venues across Bristol
City-wide celebration with curated exhibitions and commissions.
🔗 bristolphotofestival.org
BOP – Bristol’s Photobook Festival
Autumn 2026 (TBC) | Bristol
Annual photobook fair with publishers, signings, and talks.
🔗 martinparrfoundation.org
Plan Your Year
From photography exhibitions in London like Photo London, Sony World Photography Awards, and Wildlife Photographer of the Year, to major UK-wide events such as The Photography & Video Show in Birmingham, 2026 offers endless opportunities for inspiration and growth.
