The National Gala For Photography
November 1st brings another opportunity to attend the lavish British Photography Awards at the luxurious Royal Lancaster.
Come and enjoy our fantastic gala, from the champagne reception and wonderful meal service, to the 20 category photographic gallery and stellar awards show! There is certainly something for everyone at this enchanting British venue.
What’s New This Year?
We are returning to an evening show! Yes, we are building from community feedback and hosting the event on a Sunday evening.
This move will give the best of both worlds, maintaining good accessibility for our community while reinforcing the gala's party atmosphere.
Who Attends The BPA?
Our events are attended by our celebrated photographers - after all it is all about honouring them! We welcome family and friends ...as well as celebrities, film stars, TV personalities, politicians, heads of associations, esteemed judges, curators, collectors, honourees, academics, charity workers, sponsors and journalists; all coming together to celebrate the incredible work of the British photographic sector.
Our public tickets are an ideal early Christmas present, surprise for a photographer friend, or just an excuse for a group meet-up!
The Very Best
Treat yourselves to the wonderful canapés at the champagne reception, followed by a divine three course meal paired with beer and wines, all from the Lancaster’s world-famous kitchens.
Bar service is also available until late as we return to an evening party.
Meet the Nation's Best Photographers
Meeting likeminded souls is the bedrock of our events and we always strive to get as many people together as possible! We no longer invite just four nominees per category, but everyone from the entire shortlist to celebrate all the year's best imagery and grow our network of friends.
Learn more about your favourite disciplines and come and meet new image-makers!
Experience The Photography
Our breathtaking photography on display turns The Royal Lancaster into an art gallery for the night, showcasing our entire shortlist and much more!
Hear From Photographic Greats
Meet our Judges, BPA staff and National Awards recipients - and hear from previous Fellowship and Associateship recipients - a great opportunity to talk though their process, practice.
Get inspired by the top photographers from other disciplines... and maybe find a new collaborator!
All Categories, More Celebrations
Now celebrating 20 categories, our gala showcase has even more to fascinate and excite. From hard-hitting photojournalism and spellbinding scenes of our planet to portraits of people, products and all sorts of creatures - we can’t wait!
When To Book
If you get notified as a shortlisted Photographer then you will want to be in the room as we announce our Category and People's Choice winners!
That said, we are a national cultural showcase, and so are open to all; however, these Public Tickets are strictly limited. Just as in previous years, after the publicly available tickets have been sold, that is us SOLD OUT barring any final cancellations.
There is, however, no guarantee there will be any cancellation allocations, so, whether you are planning a special date night, a group trip or a Christmas present to your favourite photographer, we suggest booking to avoid disappointment.
When and Where...
Sunday 1st Nov 2026 from 5:00pm
The Royal Lancaster
London W2 2TY
Expected Schedule
Guests Arrive / Reception 1700
Dinner Service From 1830
Production Starts 2000
Show Ends 2130
Afterparty untill late
EARLY BIRD BOOKING DISCOUNT
As The Photography Awards Limited is a VAT-registered company (312452050), all public ticket sales are offered inclusive of VAT costs. Receipts for VAT are available on request.
Our non-profit competition raises money for 20 key UK charities and aids some vital causes each year.
Regrettably, we can't offer refunds on discounted tickets or those purchased via voucher code.
#britishphotographyawards