Lewisham Youth Photography Competition
Open House Festival 2026
Are you a young person living in Lewisham? This year, we’ve teamed up with Lewisham Council to celebrate Open House Festival’s The past, present and future of South Lewisham neighbourhood and we want you to capture it.
South Lewisham has many stories to tell, from being home to Europe's largest black-led community self-build, to having London’s last estate of World War Two prefab houses. We’re inviting under 25s living in the borough of Lewisham to show off your photography skills and tell the stories of the neighbourhood through your camera lens during Open House Festival 2026.
You don’t need to be a professional or have done any photography before. Whether it’s on a camera or your phone, we want to see the South of Lewisham through your eyes. Spanning Catford, Bellingham and Downham, The past, present and future of South Lewisham neighbourhood features iconic buildings like the Broadway Theatre, along with community gardens, private homes, churches and libraries. Your entry should spotlight the charm and stories of one or more of these locations. Remember to notice the small details; the way light and shadow play, how patterns repeat or how angles collide and try to capture how it feels being in these places.
There are three main rules:
You must live in Lewisham and be aged 24 or under at the time of entry
Your photo must be taken at an Open House Festival location featured in The past, present and future of Lewisham neighbourhood, between 12-20th September 2026
If people appear in your shot, they shouldn’t be identifiable: let the architecture and atmosphere take centre stage.
Prizes and key info
1st Prize: You’ll receive £100 Love2Shop Voucher
2x Runners up: £25 Love2Shop Voucher
Closing date: Sunday 27th September at 11:59pm
Winners and runner ups will be announced and contacted by Friday 9th October.
To enter the competition, complete the form linked below and submit up to three photos. Please read the terms and conditions before entering.
We can’t wait to see your entries and good luck!