The Event Photography Awards 2026 saw David Parry take the Overall Winner trophy for his shot Train to Glastonbury – showing Sam Ryder performing an impromptu gig on a train to the festival, which was part of a Trainline-backed campaign to encourage sustainable travel.
Marc James, a first-time entrant, was named the inaugural Event Photographer of the Year, alongside winning Best Portfolio and taking Overall Runner-up for his shot Headless Chicken, showing a mascot performer cooling off in a refrigeration truck. Now in its 12th year, the awards drew more than 2,300 entries from photographers in over 20 countries, judged by a panel of more than 60 industry figures.
The ceremony was held at Central Hall Westminster. It brought together more than 250 guests to view around 140 shortlisted images. Catering was provided by Green & Fortune and print production was by Visions Group.
Anthony Black took the Best Amateur award outright, having been a joint winner the previous year, while Mac Praed’s Leap of Faith won the People’s Choice Award, voted for by guests on the night. Two past Overall Winners also picked up Highly Commended honours: Luke Dyson for a shot taken at the Royal Albert Hall, and Steve Grogan for his wedding image Bounce!
Philip Atkins, founder of the Event Photography Awards and CEO of Off to Work, said: “Photography does so much to amplify, justify and sustain the events industry, which itself is an increasingly important element in marketing budgets, let alone economies and society as a whole!”
Graham Hill, competition and event director, said: “As ever, especially as a not-for-profit exercise, we owe huge debts of gratitude to our sponsors and event partners for making the competition possible and awards event enormously enjoyable.”
Full list of award winners
