A new photography competition is being launched to celebrate local talent and 200 years of the railway connecting people across Wiltshire.
The competition, run by Wiltshire’s community rail partnership TransWilts in collaboration with The Arts Society Kington Langley (TASKL), is now open for entries. Winning photographs will not only earn prizes such as photography gear and travel passes, but will also be displayed at stations across the county and featured in TransWilts and TASKL publications.
The competition is open to amateur photographers of all ages, with dedicated categories for young people aged 5–10 and 11–18. Entrants can submit up to three photos before the closing date of 31 December 2025. Every image submitted will also form part of a digital exhibition, giving all participants a chance to have their work showcased.
The theme invites photographers to show how the railway connects communities past and present, whether through images of bustling town stations, quiet rural halts, or scenic views framed by the rails.
Sophie Martin, Community Partnership Manager at TransWilts, said: “2025 marks 200 years of the modern railway, and the resulting impact on the world. This competition is all about celebrating two centuries of our rail network across Wiltshire; how it brings people together and connects our communities, both now and throughout history.
"We’re looking forward to receiving a wide variety of shots from across the county and from all ages too. It’s a chance for everyone, from those equipped with just a smartphone and a good eye, to those who regularly snap for pleasure, to be part of a project that puts community at its heart.”
The Arts Society Kington Langley, which promotes art and education in the Chippenham area, has a long-standing partnership with TransWilts, having previously sponsored Art@The Station in Chippenham.
Heather Leach, TASKL Arts Volunteer, added: “We believe that the arts are an important way to make people enjoy life more and celebrate what’s around us. By joining forces with TransWilts on this competition we wanted to give the most possibilities to the greatest amount of people to celebrate the railways – something that has become part of all of our lives and has such a deep-rooted history and connection with Wiltshire.
"The beauty of photography means that everyone can have a go; whether it’s a spontaneous shot or one that you’ve made a special journey to take.”
Entries should be submitted in high resolution (around 3MB) in JPEG, JPG or PNG format. To take part, visit www.transwilts.org and upload your photographs directly.
More information about The Arts Society Kington Langley can be found at www.taskl.org.uk.
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