The Manchester Bolton & Bury Canal Society is inviting photographers of all ages and abilities to help capture the beauty, heritage and character of our historic waterway.
Whether you’re a keen photographer, a regular canal walker, a wildlife enthusiast or simply someone who enjoys exploring the local area, we’d love to see the canal through your lens.
We’re looking for images that showcase what makes the Manchester Bolton & Bury Canal so special, this may include a focus on:
- Heritage & History
- Nature & Wildlife
- People & Community
- Scenic Views
- Restoration in Action
- Anything else which you appreciate
Winning photographs will feature in the Society’s 2027 Canal Calendar, with proceeds supporting our work to protect, promote and restore the canal for future generations.
You don’t need professional equipment to take part. Some of the best photographs come from simply being in the right place at the right time and capturing a unique moment.
How to enter and how the competition works
Send your submissions (max 5 images per person) to webmaster@mbbcs.org.uk before the 31st of October 2026 along with your name and the location the photo was taken.
Photographs will be judged by three MBBCS Trustees who will be looking at the overall impact of the photo and the story it tells. They will also be required to pick a range of images which show the diversity of the canal.
The winners will be announced on the MBBCS website, and an email will be sent to all participants with the results by the 6th of November 2026.
Up to 13 winners (1 per person) will receive a free copy of the calendar and one-year MBBCS membership.
By taking part in the competition you retain full copyright of your photo, however you agree to grant MBBCS permission to use your images (with credit) in the calendar and in future MBBCS publications and promotional material.
Please contact us if you have any further questions.