The Hexham High Streets Heritage Action Zone (HSHAZ) is launching a photography competition which challenges participants to take and submit photographs which reflect ‘Hexham’s Hidden Heritage’. 
 

Prizes will be awarded for the best overall image (£200), the best image submitted by a photographer aged under-18 (£200) and the most unique image (£100).  
 

The competition Is part of the community engagement programme within The Hexham High Streets Heritage Action Zone (HSHAZ) scheme and aims to increase knowledge, interest and appreciation of the town’s heritage and culture. 
 

Northumberland County Councillor, Jeff Watson, cabinet member with responsibility for culture said: 

“When most people think of the physical heritage of Hexham, iconic buildings such as Hexham Abbey and The Moot Hall probably spring to mind.  

“Others will know that the town is blessed with scores of less obvious reminders of the past.  The competition is open to all ages, and you don’t have to be a top photographer with a fancy camera to take part.  A phone camera would suffice.  The challenge is to really look around the town and take photographs of what you personally feel are Hexham’s hidden historic gems.” 
 

HSHAZ is a £2.4m programme which is part of a nationwide initiative to secure lasting improvements to historic high streets.  

It is funded by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) and the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) and run by Historic England.   
 

Entries should be submitted to peter.mawer@northumebrland.gov.uk  no later than 31 January 2023.  The photography competition will be judged by the HSHAZ Steering Group. 
 

All eligible images submitted will be displayed on the HSHAZ website.