Christmas shines bright in Barney

Barnard Castle Christmas Lights has announced the two winners of the photo competition in the categories for adults and for under 16s in its Christmas photo competition. Entry was free for all and the standard of photography was high, so the judging panel had a difficult task to choose the best photos that really caught the beauty of the Christmas lights.

Receiving a Barney hamper worth £100 for the best adult photo is Kirsty Brien.

Aidan Woodward in the U16 category receives a £25 voucher to spend in the town shops.

Kirsty Brien’s photo demonstrated the ‘full Christmas spirit of wonder, magic and wishing. It was the seasonal sentiment...togetherness. Her photo captured the kids' enjoyment of the lights beautifully. It was a photo that encapsulated the wonder of Christmas for children.’

In their comments, the judges said that Aidan Woodward’s photo had ‘dramatic verticals of the tree and spire and was an excellent composition. It was an atmospheric shot and they liked how the church silhouette was outlined in the background’.

Chairman of Barnard Castle Christmas Lights, Phil Crichton said “This is proof of the power of photography to evoke the spirit of the Christmas lights and recognition of the high quality of all the entries.”

Judging Panel 2021

Adrian Jenkins - Director of The Bowes Museum

Sue Smith - Director of Barnard Castle Christmas Lights (Community Interest Company)

Andy Beck - Local Artist & Founder of Facebook Group, I Love Teesdale

Sarah Gent - Family Activities Coordinator of TCR Hub

Trevor Brookes - Editor of the Teesdale Mercury

Judges were impressed by the standard of this year's competition submissions.

Well done and thank you to everyone who entered.

  To view the winners and commended entries: www.barneylights.com/comp-results