On 28 May 2026, guests gathered at Samsung KX to celebrate the winners, runners-up and highly commended photographers of the National Geographic Traveller (UK) Photography Competition 2026, sponsored by Hahnemühle and King’s Cross. Thousands of images were submitted across eight categories — Urban, People, Landscape, Wildlife, Food, Aerial, Rising Star and Portfolio — celebrating destinations, people, cultures and wildlife from around the world through exceptional storytelling and technical creativity. The ceremony saw the finalists and winners collect their trophies, and Edward Hasler take home the Grand Prize.

Images by Jason Purple.

Following the awards, attendees were among the first to view the National Geographic Traveller (UK) Photography Competition 2026 exhibition, which is now open to the public until 12 July. Spanning Granary Square, the free outdoor exhibition features winning and finalist images displayed across specially designed benches.

Browse the gallery below for highlights from the evening’s celebrations and exhibition launch.

Images by Jason Purple.