Did you know …?
The L&CPU runs four main competitions each year, and they rely on your incredible images! Your participation keeps our competitions exciting and competitive.
| Competition | Format | Usual Dates / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Club Competition | Print & PDI | Usually held the first weekend in March |
| Annual Individuals Competition | Print & PDI | Usually held the first or second weekend in May |
| Young Photographer of the Year | Print & PDI | Last run in 2024. No longer viable due to low participation; future depends on renewed interest |
| The Bob Robinson Trophy (formerly Novice Cup) | A4 unmounted print | Usually held in November along with the Annual Club Knockout and the newer Bring a Print Competition |
| Annual Club Knockout | PDI only | Held in November |
| Bring a Print Competition | Held in November |
Participation Trends
There has been a clear and concerning reduction in both the number of entries submitted and the number of member clubs participating in our competitions. While total image numbers may at times appear stable, participation is increasingly concentrated among fewer clubs. This trend raises concerns about the long-term sustainability of our competitions.
As L&CPU Competition Secretary, part of my role is to review the competitions we run to ensure they remain viable and successful. I monitor entry levels and club participation closely. While there are naturally year-to-year fluctuations, the longer-term pattern shows a gradual decline in engagement across member clubs.
Key Competitions
Annual Club Competitions
Our largest competitions are the Annual Club Competitions and the Annual Individuals Competition, both held over two days. The Annual Club Competitions saw an 8% drop in 2026 submissions compared to 2025.
Annual Individuals Competition
The Annual Individuals Competition has shown an even steeper decline. 2025 entries were extremely low compared to 2024, representing an 18% decrease. We are still awaiting the 2026 entry numbers, but if this trend continues, it does not bode well for the coming year.
Wider Impact
The decline in entries for these two competitions affects more than just their own results. It also impacts the L&CPU’s participation in:
- PAGB Inter-Federation Competitions
- PAGB Inter-Club Competitions
- L&CPU Folios
- Annual Exhibition
Entries for all of these are drawn from the Annual Club and Individuals Competitions.
The Young Photographer of the Year last ran in 2024. Due to the consistently low number of participants, it is no longer viable to run this competition, its future depends on renewed interest from young photographers.
Call to Action
So, please, let’s pull out all the stops and bring forward your best images. Together, we can improve participation and make 2026 a strong and successful year for all our competitions!
The rules for The Annual Individuals Competition 2026 can be found here