The world’s finest nature images are revealed as Wildlife Photographer of the Year arrives in The Beacon Museum.

The world-renowned exhibition, now in its sixty-second year and on loan from the Natural History Museum in London, will open at The Beacon Museum on 24 October 2026, featuring some of the most exceptional nature photography taken today from across the globe.

The 100 images featured in the exhibition have been chosen by a jury panel from over 65,000 entries and 121 countries and territories. During an intense week at the Natural History Museum in London, entries were judged anonymously on their creativity, originality, and technical excellence by an international panel of industry experts.

The exhibition shines a light on powerful and fascinating images that capture hidden animal behaviour, spectacular species and the breathtaking diversity of the natural world. Using photography’s unique emotive power to engage and inspire audiences, the images share stories and species from around the world, encouraging a future of advocating for the planet.

Wildlife Photographer of the Year is the most prestigious photography event of its kind. Launching in 1965, today the competition receives entries from 121 countries and territories all over the world, highlighting its enduring appeal. This year’s award-winning images will embark on an international tour that will allow them to be seen by well over a million people.

©Audun Rikardsen

The sixty-third Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition opens for entries on Monday 19 October and closes on Thursday 3 December 2026.

The winning images, including the prestigious Grand Title Award winners, will be announced on Tuesday 13 October 2026 during a highly anticipated awards show hosted by wildlife presenters Chris Packham and Megan McCubbin.

Kathy Moran, Chair of the Wildlife Photographer of the Year Jury, says: “Every year I think the entries to our competition can’t get any stronger… and every year I am proven wrong! Selected from a record-breaking 65,403 images, this preview presents just a small insight into the 100 incredible images in store for visitors to our exhibition in October. These images pave the way for a deepened appreciation and commitment to our natural world.”

Dr Doug Gurr, Director of the Natural History Museum, says: “Through a collection of truly extraordinary images, selected from a global reach of 121 countries and territories, this exhibition offers visitors a rare opportunity to experience the wonder of our planet through the eyes of some of the world’s most talented photographers. At a time when nature is under more pressure than ever before, these photographs remind us of both what is at stake and what is worth protecting. It will be impossible to leave without feeling a renewed sense of wonder for our incredible planet.”

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