The winners of 2025's Capture Kingston photography competition have been announced by the council.

This year's competition theme was inspired by the Kingston 2025 festival. Anyone snapping a picture reflecting the spirit of the celebration of the borough's past, present and future, or capturing images from one of the more than 50 events across the summer, was invited to take part. As well as competing for the prizes, photographers have their images added to the royal borough's historical records.  

Capture Kingston 2025 - most historically valuable Rowena Wells

Rowena Wells was the big winner, with her images 'Return of the King and 'Kingston Old and New' taking the gongs for best overall image and image of most historical importance.

Vinh-Phuong Hoang finished runner up with 'Can I Have Some of Your Hair', while Elliot Hawkins scooped the Under 16 award for 'ESEA Elegance'.

Under 16 Winner Capture Kingston 2025 Elliott Hawkins

This year's event was inspired by the Kingston 2025 festival, which celebrated the crowning of Aethelstan - England's first king – in the borough exactly 1100 years ago.

Kingston Council Leader Cllr Andreas Kirsch said: "It's always a delight to review the photos submitted to the Capture Kingston competition, and in this milestone year it did not disappoint.

"From Saxon reenactment to globally inspired textile art via K-pop music, tens of thousands of people connected with the festival programme to celebrate what makes Kingston special.

"Capturing the borough through the eyes of the people who live, work, study or visit here adds historical value and richness to the archive in a way that compliments official photos.

"We are very grateful to everyone who entered for sharing their work with future generations, they are brilliant photos."

'Can I have some of your hair' - Capture Kingston Runner up Vinh-Phuong Hoang

Capture Kingston is run annually in memory of Les Kirkin, heritage photographer and member of the Friends of Kingston Museum and Heritage Service – who organise the event in conjunction with Kingston Council.

The competition is sponsored by the Friends, and its members also sit on the judging panel alongside representatives from Kingston Archive.

The winners collected their prizes in a ceremony at the Guildhall on 11 December, and their images – alongside those of everyone else who took part – are added to the royal borough's historical records.

All winners and runners up pictures can be viewed on Flickr here.