Following huge interest and some fantastic entries received over the last two years, Royal Sutton Coldfield Town Council is once again bringing back the Soul of Sutton Photography Competition, which celebrates life in the Royal Town of Sutton Coldfield.
The annual competition celebrates the people, places and moments that make the Royal Town of Sutton Coldfield such a special place to live, work and visit.
The competition coincides with World Photography Day on 19 August every year, a global celebration of all types of photography. Each year, the competition carries a theme, and the theme for World Photography Day 2026 is ‘HOME’.
Residents of Royal Sutton Coldfield, aged 13* and over, are invited to submit photographs that capture what ‘home’ means to them. Entries may depict a favourite local landscape, a cherished community space, a family tradition, a moment in everyday life, or anywhere that represents ‘home’ in the Royal Town.
Whether it’s a breathtaking sunrise over one of Sutton Coldfield’s parks, a vibrant community celebration, a quiet neighbourhood street or a treasured personal memory, the Town Council wants to see the places and experiences that define ‘home’ for you.
The competition is free to enter and is open to amateur photographers who are residents, pupils, or students of the Town of Royal Sutton Coldfield. Participants may submit up to five photographs and will be entered into one of two age categories:
- 13–17 years**
- 18 years and over
Entries close at 12 noon on Wednesday, 9 September 2026, with winners being notified on Monday, 21 September 2026.
Prizes will be awarded in each age category:
- 1st Prize: £100 One4all Gift Card
- 2nd Prize: £50 One4all Gift Card
- 3rd Prize: £25 One4all Gift Card
Winning photographs will be featured across the Town Council’s website, social media channels, marketing materials and email newsletter. A selection of entries may also be displayed as part of a public exhibition celebrating local photography.
The Mayor of the Royal Town of Sutton Coldfield, Councillor Nitish Raut, said:
“I am delighted that the Soul of Sutton Photography Competition is returning for another year. The photographs submitted in previous competitions have beautifully captured the spirit of our Royal Town, highlighting not only its wonderful landscapes and heritage but also the pride people have in the place they call home.
“This year’s theme gives everyone the opportunity to share their own unique perspective of what home means to them. I encourage residents eligible to enter the competition to get involved and help celebrate the people, places and moments that make the Royal Town of Sutton Coldfield such a special community.”
All entries must be sent via email to enquiries@suttoncoldfieldtowncouncil.gov.uk or delivered by post to Royal Sutton Coldfield Town Council, 62 Anchorage Road, Sutton Coldfield, B74 2PG, with your name, the location where the photograph was taken, and a short description or the story behind your photograph.
You can also direct message us on social media or tag us on Facebook (@RoyalSuttonColdfieldTownCouncil), Instagram (@RoyalSutColTC), LinkedIn (@Royal Sutton Coldfield Town Council) and X (@RoyalSutColTC) using #SoulOfSutton with your details and a short description.
Full details on the competition, including entry guidelines, judging criteria and terms and conditions, can be found here.
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*Please note that, as the current minimum age requirement for opening a social media account in the UK is 13 years old, tied to the digital age of consent under the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) data protection rules, the competition is restricted to residents aged 13 and over, as entries may be shared on the Town Council’s social media channels.
**Entrants aged 13–17, or anyone whose photo shows another identifiable person under 18, will also need a parent, carer or guardian to complete a consent form, available from the Town Council.