Terms and conditions

1. WELCOME AND ACCEPTANCE OF TERMS

1.1 Introduction: Welcome to https://chesterphotofestival.com. This page explains the terms under which you may use our website, whether as a new participant, registered user, or guest. Please read these terms carefully before using the site.

1.2 Binding Agreement: By using the website, you accept these terms and agree to obey them. If you do not accept them, please do not use the site. Your use of the site also constitutes agreement to our Acceptable Use Policy, Privacy Policy, and Cookies Policy.
1.3 Corporate Identity: This website is operated by CHESTER PHOTO FESTIVAL Ltd, a UK Limited company (No. 15322598). Registered office: 71-75 Shelton Street, Covent Garden, London, WC2H 9JQ.
1.4 Data Handling: We follow our Privacy Policy when handling information about you. By using the site, you confirm that all data provided by you is accurate.
1.5 Communication & Visits: We operate primarily as an online entity. In-person visits, calls, or meetings (via MS Teams/Zoom) are strictly by advance booking only. Please contact info@chesterphotofestival.com to request an appointment.
1.6 Contact Availability: Telephone enquiries (07949 066 406) are generally available Monday to Wednesday, 10:00 am – 1:00 pm GMT. Outside of these hours, please email us to schedule a call.
1.7 Event Locations: Lectures, presentations, workshops, and meetings are held at designated venues in Chester (such as The Grosvenor Museum, University of Chester, Chester Picturehouse, Storyhouse, Why Spaces, or artist studios) only by advance booking and as specified on your ticket or confirmation email.

 

We, us, our

Chester Photo Festival

Chester Photo Festival Ltd

https://chesterphotofestival.com

Website, site

https://chesterphotofestival.com

chesterphotofestival.com

You, participant

User of our website, customer, visitor, guest, subscriber, donor, supporter.

 

2. PROJECT SCOPE AND SERVICES

2.1 Defined Services: The Company provides festivals, exhibitions, bespoke sessions, workshops, and conferences.

2.2 Expanded Operations: Services include book and journal publications, artwork sales (unique and limited editions), and the operation of an online shop for objects and equipment.

 

3. USE OF THE SITE AND COMPUTER MISUSE

3.1 Access: Use is permitted on a temporary basis; we reserve the right to withdraw or amend services without notice.

3.2 Computer Misuse: Any act that constitutes a criminal offence under the Computer Misuse Act 1990 will result in the immediate termination of your right to use the site.

3.3 Prohibited Actions: You must not introduce viruses, worms, Trojans, or other technologically harmful material. You must not attempt to gain unauthorised access to our site, server, or connected databases.

3.4 Digital Liability: We are not legally responsible for any damage caused by viruses or harmful material that may infect your equipment through the use of our site.

 

4. BOOKING, INVOICES, AND CONFIRMATION

4.1 Booking Methods: Requests for services, event entries, and ticket sales may be submitted via our online forms or by emailing events@chesterphotofestival.com. Our Booking Form may be adapted to collect relevant details specific to your interest (e.g. conference vs. bespoke session). We may discuss your booking details via telephone, email, or live chat (WhatsApp). Any booking or submission via these methods constitutes an expression of interest only and is subject to these Terms and Conditions.

4.2 Authorised Sales Channels: All digital transactions are processed exclusively through Square (the trading name of Squareup Europe Ltd), our online fee and shop processor. Collaborations with third parties must be clearly presented as a "Chester Photo Festival Partner".

4.3 The Invoice: The Invoice serves as our offer to you. It is essential to ensure that the invoice details, including booking information, are accurate. The Invoice will include contact information for both parties, payment details, event names, dates, and locations.

4.4 The Confirmation: Your booking order is considered complete and a binding agreement is formed only upon our written confirmation sent from events@chesterphotofestival.com stating that your invoice has been paid in full.

4.5 Entire Agreement: Once the Invoice is confirmed as paid in full, it constitutes our entire agreement. Prior advertisements, catalogues, or promotional materials do not form part of the agreement unless explicitly included in writing.

4.6 Additional Terms: Specific activities may incorporate additional terms and conditions which you must agree to before taking part (see Section 11).

4.7 Payment Terms: Invoices must be paid within seven (7) days via bank transfer (Lloyds Bank) or the Square system. Please follow your online bank’s security measures and guidance when making payments. We will never ask for your PIN number, passcodes, secret answers, or personal passwords.

 

5. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS

5.1 Ownership of Participant Work: The Participant retains full and exclusive ownership of all intellectual property rights and copyright in any work submitted to the Festival. Participation in the Festival does not constitute a transfer of ownership to Chester Photo Festival.

5.2 Submission Licence: By submitting work, the Participant grants Chester Photo Festival a non-exclusive, worldwide, royalty-free, and perpetual licence to display, reproduce, and publish the work solely for the purposes of promoting the Festival. This includes, but is not limited to, use on our website, social media, press releases, and in the "Chester Photo Festival" official publications (digital or print).

5.3 Moral Rights and Accreditation: The Company recognises the Participant’s moral rights. We commit to ensuring that the author is clearly credited in all instances where their work is displayed or published by the Festival.

5.4 Our Content: Chester Photo Festival is the owner or licensee of all intellectual property rights in the website, its branding, and its original materials. These works are protected by UK and international copyright laws.

5.5 Limited User Licence: You may download extracts of our site content for personal reference only. You must not use any part of our materials for commercial purposes without obtaining a written licence from us.

Strategic Note on Moral Rights

 

6. SHOP SALES, ART SALES, AND PRINT-ON-DEMAND

6.1 Bespoke, Art & Limited Sales: Artworks (unique and limited editions), limited edition prints, and on-demand books or journals are bespoke and are strictly non-refundable.

6.2 Stock Sales: Physical goods (e.g. cameras, objects) may be returned within 14 days if unused and in original packaging.

6.3 Refund Limitations: Refunds for stock items are limited to the product price only. We do not repay or refund postage, shipping, or delivery costs.

6.4 Shipping Liability: We are not liable for delivery delays or incorrect shipping addresses provided by the customer.

 

7. LIMITATIONS OF LIABILITY AND RISK

7.1 Financial Cap: Responsibility is limited to the submission fee or total price paid for our events or services.

7.2 Exclusions: We exclude liability for loss of income, profit, business, data, or savings. We make no warranty for commercial/industrial use.

7.3 Artwork Risk: We are not liable for damage, loss, or theft of your artwork(s). Each participant is solely responsible for transport and insurance.

7.4 Site Content: Information on our site is provided on an “as is” basis.

7.5 Statutory Rights: We do not exclude liability for death/injury caused by negligence, fraud, or anything else where exclusion is not allowed by law (Consumer Rights Act 2015).

 

7. LIMITATIONS OF LIABILITY AND RISK

7.1 Insurance Obligations: All participants, exhibitors, and artists (the "Participant") must maintain adequate insurance to keep themselves and their property fully and effectively insured. This includes, but is not limited to:

  • Public Liability: Appropriate for the scale of the participation.
  • Property & Works: Coverage for loss, theft, or damage to artworks, equipment, and stand installations (including fire, water damage, and burglary).
  • Transit & Handling: Coverage for Works during packing, transit to/from the venue, installation, and de-installation.

7.2 Financial Cap: Responsibility is limited to the submission fee or total price paid for our events or services.

7.3 Specific Exclusions: The Company shall have no liability to the Participant for:

  • Commercial Loss: Any loss of profits, revenue, business, data, or anticipated savings.
  • Intangible Loss: Any loss of publicity, loss of opportunity, or depletion of goodwill.
  • Third-Party Acts: Any copyright infringement or tortious acts committed by other participants or visitors.
  • Site Content: All information on our site is provided on an “as is” basis without warranties of any kind.

7.4 Artwork and Physical Risk: Works are often displayed in public-access venues. The Company accepts no liability for:

  • Damage, loss, or theft of artworks while in transit or on display.
  • Minor wear and tear, accidental damage, or deterioration due to atmospheric conditions/public access.
  • The Participant remains responsible for their own property at all times.

7.5 Statutory Rights: Nothing in these terms excludes or limits the Company’s liability for death or personal injury caused by our negligence, for fraud or fraudulent misrepresentation, or for any other liability which cannot be excluded under the laws of England and Wales (including the Consumer Rights Act 2015).

 

8. GOVERNANCE AND DISPUTE RESOLUTION

8.1 Mediation: If a dispute cannot be settled through negotiation, either party may propose in writing that structured negotiations be entered into with an accredited mediator.

8.2 Ongoing Obligations: A dispute shall not affect the parties' ongoing obligations under these terms while the dispute is being resolved.

8.3 Governing Law: These terms are governed by the laws of England and Wales. The courts of England and Wales have exclusive jurisdiction.

8.4 Refusal of Service: If we refuse to deliver the Events and Services, you may consider our agreement terminated. We will reimburse you without undue delay.

 

9. GENERAL PROVISIONS

9.1 Transfer of Rights: We may assign or subcontract our rights. You may not do so without our prior written consent.

9.2 Variations: Changes to this agreement are only binding if agreed upon in writing and signed by the Company.

 

10. FEEDBACK, CONTACT AND LINKS

10.1 Contact Us: For general enquiries, suggestions, or complaints, please email info@chesterphotofestival.com or use our website Contact Form.

10.2 External Links: Links from our site to third-party sites are for information only; we accept no responsibility for their content.

 

11. SPECIFIC ACTIVITY TERMS

11.1 Incorporation by Reference: To ensure clarity, specific festivals, competitions, and services have additional terms that apply only to participants of those activities. These are additional to the general Terms and Conditions and are incorporated into our agreement by reference.

11.2 Curatorial & Organisational Stage: Where applicable, further specific terms or technical requirements may be discussed and agreed upon during the curatorial stage. Any such terms will be finalised and presented within your Invoice, which, once paid, becomes part of our binding agreement.

11.3 Activity Directory: Please find the relevant section on the website, where the additional terms are listed, as well as terms that may be explicitly discussed or written agreements with you and included on your invoice.

 

12. NEWSLETTER AND COMMUNICATIONS

12.1 Subscription: By entering the Festival, booking a service, or agreeing to these Terms via our website forms, you agree to receive digital communications from us. These communications are designed to keep you informed about essential festival updates, deadlines for the events you have entered, and related photographic opportunities.

12.2 Unsubscribing: Your participation in the Festival is not conditional upon remaining on the mailing list. You may withdraw your consent and unsubscribe at any time. This can be done by clicking the ‘unsubscribe’ link at the footer of any email received from us or by emailing info@chesterphotofestival.com.

12.3 Service Provision: We provide the newsletter as a free-of-charge information service. We reserve the right to suspend, amend, or terminate the newsletter service at any time without prior notice.

12.4 Third-Party Links: Our newsletters may contain links to third-party content. As per Section 10.2, we accept no responsibility for the content or privacy practices of external sites.

 

13. CONTACT US

Please email us at info@chesterphotofestival.com to contact us about any issues.

 

14. Additional Terms:

14.1 The following terms apply to all festival submissions and categories listed below:

  • Eligibility: Open to all ages; entrants under 18 require parental consent per Section 11.2.
  • Fees: All submission and entry fees are non-refundable as they cover bespoke curatorial and administrative services per Section 6.1.
  • Copyright: Entrants retain full ownership but grant the Festival a promotional licence per Section 5.4.
  • Liability: The Festival is not liable for loss or damage to physical materials (prints, books, or drives) during transit or display per Section 7.3.
  • Communication: By entering, you agree to receive administrative updates via events@chesterphotofestival.com per Section 4.1.

Additional Terms: Photography Festival Entries (2026)

These terms apply specifically to participants submitting photographic work and are incorporated into the General Terms and Conditions (as presented, see above) of chesterphotofestival.com by reference.

 

1. Submission and Selection Process

  • Entry Allowance: Participants may submit a maximum of five (5) photographic works for initial consideration. There is no fee for the initial submission.
  • Technical Specifications: Submissions must be in JPEG format (shortest side at least 6 inches at 300 dpi).
  • Submission Methods & File Size: While we recommend a 10MB limit per submission via the online form, larger files may be sent directly to events@chesterphotofestival.com if your email server permits. Alternatively, you may use an authorised digital transfer service (e.g., WeTransfer, Dropbox, or Google Drive).
  • Curatorial Stage: Shortlisted participants will be notified via email and invited to the curatorial stage. To ensure a diverse range of stories, the Festival typically selects a maximum of two (2) works per participant for final exhibition.
  • Mandatory Documentation: Selected participants must provide a Word document containing the title, year, size, and a 100-word personal statement for each work, answering the two specific guided questions provided in the invitation.
  • AI Disclosure: All applicants must explicitly declare if Artificial Intelligence (AI) was utilised in the creation or editing of the submitted work.

 

2. Participation Fees

  • Payment Trigger: Fees are only applicable if your work is selected for exhibition.

  • Fee Structure:

    1. Early Deadline (15th May): £45 per selected work.
    2. Late Deadline (15th June): £60 per selected work.
  • Binding Agreement: Payment of the invoice constitutes formal acceptance of these additional terms and the General Terms and Conditions. Invoices are non-refundable once paid.

  • Standard Service: The fee includes professional printing and installation in standard frames (ranging from 30x30 cm up to 50x50 cm) by the Festival.

 

3. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY AND USAGE

  • Standard Terms: The retention of ownership, the scope of the promotional licence, and our commitment to author accreditation are governed by Section 5 (Intellectual Property Rights) of the General Terms and Conditions.
  • Publication Rights: For the avoidance of doubt, the promotional licence granted under Section 5 specifically includes the right for the Festival to reproduce selected work in the official "Chester Photo Festival 2026" publication (digital or print).

 

4. Logistics and Liability

  • Physical Works: If a participant chooses to provide their own physical prints or frames rather than utilising the Festival’s printing service, they must deliver the work to Chester at their own expense by the end of March 2026.
  • Insurance: Participants are responsible for insuring their own physical works. The Festival is not liable for damage, theft, or loss of artworks while in transit or on public display.
  • Public Display: Works will be displayed in public venues; the Festival accepts no liability for minor wear and tear resulting from public access.

 

5. Governance and Finality

  • Decision Finality: All curatorial and jury decisions are final and binding.
  • Authorised Communication: Official invitations and invoices will be issued only from events@chesterphotofestival.com.

Additional Terms: Moving Image and Short Film Festival Entries (2026)

These terms apply specifically to participants submitting moving images and short films and are incorporated into the General Terms and Conditions of chesterphotofestival.com by reference.

 

1. Submission and Selection Process

  • Scope of Entry: The Festival welcomes moving images and short films that intersect with photography, including work inspired by photographers, trans-disciplinary collaborations, or stories responding to photographic practices.
  • Entry Allowance: There is no fee for the initial submission.
  • Submission Steps:
    1. Step 1: Provide an online link to the video and one (1) representative still image (max 10MB).
    2. Step 2: Include a Word document containing the Title, Year, 100-word Bio, and 100-word Artist Statement.
    3. Step 3: Submit via the online form or email events@chesterphotofestival.com.
    4. Multiple Entries (Up to 3): For multiple entries, please email us directly at events@chesterphotofestival.com.
  • Technical & Privacy: For works not yet public, participants must provide a private link and include access details in the "Additional Message" section of the entry form.
  • Curatorial Stage: Shortlisted participants will be notified via email. To maintain a diverse programme, the Festival typically selects a maximum of two (2) works per participant for final exhibition.
  • Mandatory Documentation (Selected Works): If selected, participants must provide an updated document answering two specific guided questions regarding the work's personal meaning and emotional resonance.
  • AI Disclosure: All applicants must explicitly declare if Artificial Intelligence (AI) was utilised in the creation or editing of the submitted work.

 

2. Participation Fees

  • Payment Trigger: Fees are only applicable if your work is selected for exhibition. You will be notified and issued an invoice upon selection.
  • Fee Structure:
  • Early Deadline (15th May): £45 per selected work.
  • Late Deadline (15th June): £60 per selected work.
  • Binding Agreement: Payment of the invoice constitutes formal acceptance of these additional terms and the General Terms and Conditions. Invoices are non-refundable once paid.

 

3. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY AND USAGE

  • Standard Terms: The retention of ownership, the scope of the promotional licence, and our commitment to author accreditation are governed by Section 5 (Intellectual Property Rights) of the General Terms and Conditions.
  • Publication Rights: For the avoidance of doubt, the promotional licence granted under Section 5 specifically includes the right for the Festival to reproduce selected work in the official "Chester Photo Festival 2026" publication (digital or print).

 

4. Exhibition and Logistics

  • Display Format: The Festival will discuss and agree on specific display details (e.g., projection, monitor display, or installation) during the curatorial stage.
  • Festival Events: Selected works will be showcased during the main event (expected 16–18 October 2026) at various city-centre locations.
  • Certification: Every participant will receive a digital participation certificate.

 

5. Governance and Finality

  • Decision Finality: All curatorial and jury decisions are final and binding.
  • Official Communication: Official invitations and invoices will be issued exclusively from events@chesterphotofestival.com.

Additional Terms: Artist Books Festival Entries (2026)

These terms apply specifically to participants submitting Artist Books and are incorporated into the General Terms and Conditions of chesterphotofestival.com by reference.

 

1. Submission and Selection Process

  • Entry Allowance: Participants may submit up to a maximum of five (5) book titles for consideration. There is no fee for the initial submission.
  • Submission Methods:
    1. Single Entry: Please use the online form on our website.

    2. Multiple Entries (Up to 5): For multiple artist books entries, please email us directly at events@chesterphotofestival.com.

    3. Naming Convention: When emailing multiple entries, please clearly label each attachment or folder as 'Entry Artist Book 1' through 'Entry Artist Book 5'.

  • AI Disclosure (Mandatory): All applicants must explicitly declare whether Artificial Intelligence (AI) was utilised in the creation, layout, or editing of the submitted work.

 

2. Participation Fees

  • Selection Fee: Fees apply only if your work is selected for exhibition.
  • Fee Structure (Per Selected Title):
    1. Early Deadline (15th May): £45

    2. Late Deadline (15th June): £60

  • Binding Agreement: Payment of the invoice constitutes formal acceptance of these terms. In accordance with Section 6.1 of the General Terms, payments are non-refundable.

 

3. Intellectual Property and Licensing

  • Copyright Warranty: By submitting, you warrant that you hold full and exclusive copyright ownership of the work.
  • Promotional Licence: You grant the Festival a non-exclusive, worldwide, perpetual licence to use representative images or PDF extracts for promotional purposes (social media, website, and Festival publications).

 

4. Logistics and Display Liability

  • Display Options: Participants must specify their preferred display method upon selection:
  • Archive Donation: One copy is donated to the Festival archive for public handling.
  • Display Only: The book is exhibited in closed cases and remains the property of the artist.
  • Public Handling Waiver: For books donated to the archive or placed on open display, the Festival accepts no liability for minor wear and tear, page marking, or deterioration resulting from public access.
  • Insurance: Participants are responsible for insuring their physical works during transit and exhibition. The Festival is not liable for damage, theft, or loss of artworks.

 

5. Governance

  • Decision Finality: All curatorial and jury decisions regarding selection and display format are final.
  • Official Correspondence: All invitations and invoices will be issued exclusively from events@chesterphotofestival.com.

Chester photo festival

 

It was founded in September 2023 and is available to public from 1st May 2024.

The 1st edition of the annual Chester Photo Festival is expected to take place in May 2025, after one year of work.