Wrexham seen through different eyes as Photomarathon winners are revealed
Budding photographers of all ages have captured Wrexham through their own eyes as part of the Wrexham Photomarathon 2026, with 14 photographers named as winners across 12 categories.
Organised by Wrexham-based social enterprise Done Together CIC, the free photography competition attracted 80 registrations, with people able to begin their challenge at Wrexham Library or Brynteg Library, or take part remotely through an online option and more than 30 people attended the two libraries in person on the day.
The Photomarathon, ran on Saturday 22nd August from 12.30-3.30pm, challenged participants to interpret four words through photography, with different prompts set for three age groups: 6–11, 11–17 and 18+.
Rather than simply taking their ‘best photograph’, entrants had to think creatively about what each word meant to them. The resulting collection captured people, places, memories, humour and unexpected details, demonstrating just how differently a single word can be interpreted depending on the person behind the camera. Members of the public are invited to view this years entries and see Wrexham through a new lens by visiting the online gallery https://donetogethercic18.pixieset.com/
At Brynteg Library, the creativity started before the Photomarathon itself, with library staff running photography-themed arts and crafts during the morning. Children created their own 3D old-style cameras using paper folding techniques before turning their attention to the real thing.
The photographs were considered by a 12-strong judging panel drawn from Done Together CIC, AVOW Young Influencers, the Wrecsam2029 City of Culture team and the City of Culture Youth Forum.
Young people played an important role in the judging process, with three AVOW Young Influencers and four members of the City of Culture Youth Forum joining the panel.
“I really enjoyed being part of the team organising the Photomarathon. As an amateur photographer, it was a great opportunity to share my passion, meet other photographers, and be part of a creative community event.” – Karim, Wrecsam2029 City of Culture Youth Forum member and Photomarathon judge
“It was interesting to see the interpretations of the words.” – Ffion McCabe Roberts said
“The photographs in my category really made me smile and reminisce. Youth is in the eye of the beholder, and some of the images were brilliant at demonstrating exactly that. I loved seeing the different ways people interpreted what ‘youth’ meant to them.” – Amber, a Director of Done Together CIC and Photomarathon judge, tasked with considering photographs interpreting the word ‘Youth’.
Wrexham Photomarathon 2026 winners
In the 6–11 age category,
- George Thomas won ‘Play’,
- Osian Young won ‘Smile’, Grace, Dhoya and Suzana jointly won ‘Colourful’,
- Emrys Young won ‘Together’.
In the 11–17 category,
- Jayden Gibb won ‘My Wrexham’,
- Eloise won ‘Unexpected’,
- Willis Edwards won ‘Free’,
- Charlotte Hughes won ‘No Colour’.
In the 18+ category,
- Aaliyah Miller won ‘Play’,
- Haroon Din won ‘Nostalgic’,
- Sam Williams won ‘Juxtaposition’,
- Pete Leach won ‘Youth’.
Each winning category receives a £25 gift voucher.
The Photomarathon was supported and funded by the Wrecsam2029 City of Culuture bid and AVOW Young Influencers, helping to provide young people with opportunities to get involved in a creative community event and have their voices represented both through photography and the judging process.
“A number of the Done Together Directors had organised Photomarathons in previous roles, and we loved how they genuinely brought people and families together and encouraged them to get out and explore their communities through photography.
I’m sure many people would never think of entering a photography competition because they don’t believe they’re ‘good enough’, but looking through these entries shows just how much talent we have in Wrexham. They’ve also captured so many beautiful, unusual and unique corners of our communities.
There are photographs among the entries that genuinely took my breath away. It’s been an absolute pleasure to bring the Photomarathon back, and we’re already looking forward to doing it again!” – Natalie Edwards, Director of Done Together CIC.
“It has been fantastic to see the project build confidence, develop new skills and provide a platform for young people’s voices to be seen and heard. The Photomarathon gave young people the opportunity to showcase their creativity and explore their local area from new perspectives.” – Amy Jones, Community Development Officer at AVOW.
“It was brilliant to see so many young people taking part in the Wrecsam Photomarathon and capturing Wrexham through their own eyes. We were really impressed by the quality and creativity of the photographs, with some incredibly talented young photographers reflecting so many different aspects of Wrexham’s culture, communities and character. A huge thank you to everyone who took part, and congratulations to all the winners!” – Morgan Thomas, Wrecsam2029 City of Culture Bid Coordinator.
Done Together CIC thanked AVOW Young Influencers, Wrexham Library, Brynteg Library, Wrecsam2029 City of Culture team, the City of Culture Youth Forum, the judging panel and everyone who registered, attended and submitted photographs for helping to make the event possible.
The photographs submitted to this year’s competition can be viewed in the online gallery: https://donetogethercic18.pixieset.com/
Sample of submitted photos
Charlie – No colour (11 – 17 years)
Emrys – Something that makes you smile (6 – 11 years)
George – Play (6 – 11 years)
Haroon – Nostaligic ( 18+)
Jayden – My Wrexham (11-17 years)
Aaliyah – Juxtaposition (18+)
Minnie – Unexpected (11-17 years)
Sam – Youth (18+)
Are you looking to apply to our Youth Led Grant Scheme?
The Youth-Led Grants aim to support small volunteering projects and activities, led, and carried out by young people. This year’s grants are based on the seven Wellbeing of Future Generations (Wales) act 2015. You could be awarded up to £1,000 for projects that include:
If you would like to learn more about our youth-led grant scheme, take a look at our application page!
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