Judges select winning photos for Mayor of Guildford’s Charity Calendar 2026

The Mayor of Guildford, Cllr Howard Smith, alongside his son, Stanley, joined a distinguished panel of judges this week to select the winning images for the Mayor of Guildford’s Charity Calendar 2026.

The judging team included BBC Surrey and Sussex’s, Mark Carter DL, the co-founder of the Guildford Festival of the Arts, Charlie Cluff, and Surrey photographer and PR advisor, Andy Newbold.

The calendar will showcase breathtaking photographs submitted by members of the Guildford Photographic Society. Each image was handpicked from entries to the Mayor’s 2025 photography competition, celebrating the beauty, character, and community spirit of Guildford.

But we won’t know the winners until the calendar is officially unveiled at a launch party at Art and Grind on Thursday 25 September. This coincides with the start of the Guildford Festival of the Arts.

Following the judging, the Mayor of Guildford, Cllr Howard Smith said: “The standard of entries was simply outstanding. Every photo told a story, captured a moment, or revealed the hidden beauty around our borough.

“Choosing twelve was incredibly difficult, so it was great that we could pick just one more as the overall winner that will feature on the front cover.

“I’m so grateful to the Guildford Photographic Society for organising and running this competition. We could have easily filled another calendar with the talent on display!”

All proceeds will go directly to the Mayor’s chosen charities, supporting vital local causes and making a meaningful impact across the borough. The beneficiaries are: Phyllis Tuckwell, The Cheryl King Trust, Guildford Shakespeare Company and the Mayor of Guildford’s Local Support Fund.

The calendar, priced at £10, will be available for purchase from Thursday 25 September. Copies can be bought online, from the Guildford Tourist Information Centre and Art and Grind. For more information or to pre-order your copy, please contact: civicsecretary@guildford.gov.uk

Notes to Editor

Guildford Art Weekend: 25 to 28 September 2025

Guildford Art Weekend is a four-day celebration of the visual arts, designed to showcase the talent of local artists and engage the community in creative experiences. Taking place in Guildford Town Centre, the event aims to revitalise the local art scene by utilising independent shops, arts venues, and creative spaces. More information: www.guildfordfestivalofthearts.co.uk

Guildford Photographic Society (GPS)

GPS was founded in 1892 to advance the art and craft of amateur photography. It is still dedicated to those goals: enabling the development of photographic skills in the context of modern and constantly evolving equipment and techniques. The goal is to help its members find inspiration and to provide excellent opportunities to learn and practise their photographic skills whilst making new friends in a collaborative environment. The society welcomes all levels of experience from beginners to advanced. Activities run throughout the year. More information: www.guildfordphotosoc.org.uk

Photo supplied

The Mayor of Guildford, Cllr Howard Smith and his son, Stanley, join BBC Surrey and Sussex’s Mark Carter DL, co-founder of Guildford Festival of the Arts, Charlie Cluff, and Surrey photographer, PR & media advisor , Andy Newbold, to select the winning calendar images. Photography by Andy Newbold

Press contact: Beverley Stonehouse – e-mail Beverley.Stonehouse@guildford.gov.uk

Judges select winning photos for Mayor of Guildford’s Charity Calendar 2026