Thank you for 2024
Cultural take over of and old brewery space - © Adrian Lambert
Thank You for 2024
Well, never in our wildest imaginations did we expect our first festival to be such a massive success. We received so much support—not just from Glossop itself, but from all around the area and beyond.
The original idea came from Carys, who felt that photography wasn't being represented enough in our local community, particularly for photographers of all levels. She was soon joined by Nicholas Holt, who helped refine many of the festival's ideas, including the branding, and designed the original website. Vikki also came on board to curate the Open Call. Together, the three of us delivered the first Dark Peak Photo Festival in 2024.
Nicholas made the decision to step back, recognising that a festival of this scale—especially without funding—was a huge undertaking. With his international professional commitments, he had to prioritise other projects, but we are forever grateful for his invaluable input. He will always be a part of the story of Dark Peak Photo’s first festival.
The Volunteers and Local Support
In early November 2023, we launched a call for volunteers, and that’s when we were fortunate to meet some truly amazing people in the local community. These volunteers helped in so many ways—organising rotas for invigilation at the two main exhibition spaces, installing and dismantling exhibitions, and ensuring spaces were returned to their original function for community use. One person who stood out in particular was Dave Bennett, who offered incredible support to Vikki and Carys throughout the process. Over time, we came to realise that Dave’s wealth of experience and dedication were invaluable, and we are incredibly grateful for his help and they asked him to help come along to be part of the Community Interest Company (CIC)
We were also fortunate to have support from local organisations, including Glossop Arts Project, Glossop Labour Club, Carrot Productions, and Friends of Victoria Hall. Financial backing from Glossop Creative Trust proved to be a lifeline, enabling us to print our programmes. We also received sponsorship from Analogue Wonderland, Limitless Broadcast, Holdan’s, Hatter Editions, and Distant Hills Brewery.
A Big Thank You to Our Photographers and Workshop Leaders
We extend a heartfelt thank you to all the photographers who exhibited their work and the workshop leaders who believed in an unknown event. Without your contributions, the festival would not have been the success it was.
Thank you to Adrian Lambert who documented as many installations as he could - so many photographers but no time to take photos was a challenge and without which we wouldn’t have a record of the exhibitions.
Thank You to Our Visitors and Supporters
The biggest thank you goes to everyone who entered the Open Call or purchased tickets for workshops, events, and talks. To those who attended the exhibitions—many of whom came simply on faith, not knowing what to expect—it was your presence that truly made the festival come alive. People travelled from far and wide to experience the exhibitions, and your enthusiasm and support meant the world to us.
A special thanks to the businesses of Glossop who supported the event by offering window space and other forms of backing. Your support was crucial to bringing the festival to life in our town.
In Closing
None of this would have been possible without the collective effort of every single person involved. From volunteers to sponsors, photographers to attendees, your contributions made 2024 a reality.
We look forward to what the future holds and can’t wait to continue growing and building this incredible community.