Belfast Zoo Annual Photography Competition

Date: 1 June 2026 - 27 September 2026

Belfast Zoo's annual competition is open to amateur and professional photographers. There are categories for capturing wildlife, landscapes and animals' funny expressions at Belfast Zoo. This is the 39th year of the photography competition.

Photography categories

We have six competition categories in 2026. Whether you’re capturing wildlife, landscapes or just a hilarious animal expression, there’s a category for all types of photographers.

Photographer access days

If you'd like time and space to find the perfect photograph at Belfast Zoo, book a photographer access session when the zoo is quiet. There are morning and evening sessions on:

• Friday 17 July, 8.30am to 10am and 4.30pm to 6pm
• Sunday 30 August, 8.30am to 10am and 4.30pm to 6pm

The sessions are free and limited so you must book. To book an access session at the zoo, email media@Belfastzoo.co.uk. We'll confirm by email if your access session is booked.

Competition closing date

The competition closes on Sunday 27 September 2026.

For full details:

https:www.belfastcity.gov.uk/zoo/photocomp

Winners in Annual Photography Competition 2025

https://www.belfastcity.gov.uk/zoo/get-involved/winners-in-annual-photography-competition-2025

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Belfast Parks Photographic Competition 2025-2026

The Belfast Parks Photographic Competition is open to entries from amateur photographers. The competition has four award categories with three prizes in each category. You can enter the competition online or by post. The competition is sponsored by John McQuillan (Contracts) Ltd.

To enter the competition, you can only submit photographs taken in one of our parks or open spaces since 1 September 2025.

For full details:

https://www.belfastcity.gov.uk/things-to-do/parks-and-open-spaces/belfast-parks-photography-competition#12685-1

Closing date

The competition closes on Friday 30 October 2026 at 4pm.

Belfast Parks Photography Competition 2024-2025 winners

https://www.flickr.com/photos/belfastcitycouncil/albums/72177720324519946/