Photographers Invited to Capture Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire for New Coroner’s Court

A photography competition is inviting people of all abilities to capture the places, landscapes and character of Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire, with winning images set to go on permanent display at the new Coroner’s Court at Swann House.

THE SIGNAL BRIEF

What’s new: Stoke-on-Trent City Council and Staffordshire County Council have launched a photography competition for images to be displayed at the new Coroner’s Court.

What’s next: Entries close on 31 October 2026, with the winners due to be announced in November.

Worth knowing: The competition is open to photographers of all levels, including people taking photographs on their phones.

A photography competition has been launched to help create a welcoming environment at the areas new Coroner’s Court.

The winning photographs will be displayed in public buildings across Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire before being permanently showcased at the new Coroner’s Court at Swann House.

Stoke-on-Trent City Council and Staffordshire County Council have launched the competition to find inspiring images that can help create a welcoming and reflective environment for people who need to attend the Coroner’s Court, with the winning photographs helping to bring a sense of the local area into the building.

The Coroner’s Service provides an important service for bereaved families, carrying out independent investigations and helping provide answers at what can be an extremely difficult time.

The new Coroner’s Court has been designed to provide a supportive environment for everyone who needs to attend, and the photography competition is an opportunity to reflect the strength, character and diversity of Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire within the space.

Councillor Majid Khan, cabinet member for health integration and wellbeing at Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said: “We want the new Coroner’s Court to feel welcoming and reflective of the communities it serves, and this competition is a wonderful opportunity to bring some of the character of Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire into the building.

“There are so many unique places, landscapes, buildings and moments that capture what makes our area special, and we want to see them through the eyes of the people who live, work and visit here.

“You don’t have to be a professional photographer to take part. Whether you use a camera or your phone, we’d love people to get involved and share the images that mean something to them.”

Anthony Screen, Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Resilience at Staffordshire County Council, said: “This competition is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the people, places and landscapes that make Staffordshire such a wonderful county. From the Peak District in the north of the county to the beautiful Cannock Chase, there’s stunning scenery wherever you look.

“The photographs will help create a welcoming and reflective environment at the new coroner’s court, while showcasing the pride people have in their local communities. I’d encourage anyone with an eye for a great picture to get involved and share their photos.”

Photographers of all levels are encouraged to enter, from beginners and keen amateurs to experienced professionals.

The competition will run throughout September and October, with entries closing on 31 October 2026. The winners will be announced in November.

To find out more and enter the competition, visit: www.stoke.gov.uk/photocomp