TRAVEL THE WORLD AT CHESTER CATHEDRAL

A magnificent exhibition runs from 2nd to 27th October at Chester Cathedral.

A unique selection of more than 80 winning images from the past five years of the international Travel Photographer of the Year awards (TPOTY) go on display in a magnificent location this Sunday 2 October, when the Travel Photographer of the Year exhibition opens in the South Transept of Chester Cathedral.

These particular award-winning images from this global contest have never been displayed together before, the unique curation bespoke for this exhibition. The images on display give a beautiful and thought-provoking view of life on this planet, as seen through the lens of hugely talented photographers from around the world.

From the drama of a ‘drillbit’ tornado rapidly approaching a small settlement in the USA to a serene view across the water to Scotland’s Rùm island and the eerie beauty of trees in a blizzard in Sardinia, the exhibition features wonderful images of landscapes and climate. Many of the images in the exhibition give fascinating glimpses into the lives and cultures of the people of our planet, from the ‘Sapeurs’ of the Democratic Republic of Congo and a puppeteer entertaining children amidst the destruction of war-torn Syria to a young Geisha in Japan and the Mundari tribespeople of South Sudan. And the exhibition also contains some truly outstanding wildlife images, from enchanting photographs of bears and pumas with their young to conservation efforts to protect orangutans in Malaysia and underwater images taken at night of mysterious creatures that light up the darkness.

The Cathedral and exhibition are open for visitors from 9.30am to 5pm Monday to Saturday and 11.30am to 4pm on Sundays. Founded as a Benedictine abbey in 1092, the Cathedral has a rich and varied history. The original church was built in the Romanesque or Norman style, parts of which can still be seen today. This church was subsequently rebuilt from around 1250 onward in the Gothic style, a process which took about 275 years and resulted in the incredible structure seen today. With the most complete set of monastic buildings in the country, a Georgian square and series of streets, the remains of Roman barracks on the Dean’s field and the largest open green spaces within the walls, visitors can experience everything the Cathedral has to offer. The Refectory Café – set in the thirteenth century monks’ dining hall – is the perfect post-tour pick-me-up, and the inspiring Gift Shop offers a range of sustainably sourced unique gifts and souvenirs, locally sourced.

Travel Photographer of the Year is open from Sunday 2 October to Thursday 27 October. Donations towards the administration and maintenance of this magnificent building are welcome.

The exhibition is the ideal place for those looking for inspiration for the 2022 TPOTY awards, which are open for entries until 25 October. TPOTY is celebrating its 20th award this year, with a range of portfolio and single-image categories plus an HD video category, all reflecting the breadth and diversity of travel photography. There is even a category for images shot on smartphones or tablets, plus Young Travel Photographer of the Year, which is for photographers aged 18 and under. The contest is open to amateur and professional photographers of all ages and from all countries.

The awards are judged by international panel of imaging experts, who give their time and expertise freely to judge the awards. This year TPOTY welcomes three new judges: Chris Rainier – National Geographic explorer and photographer - Elia Locardi – travel photographer, digital imaging expert & educator - and Megan McCubbin – zoologist, conservationist, wildlife TV presenter & photographer.

For more information please visit:

www.tpoty.com

Travel Photographer of the Year was founded in 2003 and rapidly became one of the world’s leading travel photography awards. We accept entries from amateur, semi-pro and professional photographers of all ages and from all countries. We have received entries from photographers in more than 140 countries and, to date, our oldest entrant has been 88 years old, the youngest just five.