Communities Unearthed

Communities Unearthed

Photography Exhibition | Dacre Hall, Lanercost | 19–28 June 2026

As part of Echo Festival 2026, Echo Events Lanercost CIC is proud to present Communities Unearthed — a compelling new photography exhibition exploring the people, places, and stories that shape life in and around Lanercost.

Curated by local photographer and filmmaker Thomas Keevil, who lives and works within the Kin Hill Community in Walton, the exhibition brings together three distinctive artistic voices. Alongside Keevil’s work, photographers Molly Matcham and Charlotte Graham offer their own unique perspectives, each capturing the character of the local landscape and its communities through a deeply personal lens.

From intimate portraits to evocative scenes of rural life, Communities Unearthed reveals the richness and diversity of this corner of Cumbria. The exhibition invites visitors to look closer — to see familiar surroundings anew, and to reflect on the connections between people, place, and shared history.

Alongside the main exhibition, we are delighted to feature a special photography project by pupils from Lanercost C of E Primary School. Drawing on archival photographs and local history, the project offers a younger generation’s perspective on the area, connecting past and present through thoughtful and creative responses to the landscape they call home.

The exhibition opens at 5.30pm on Friday 19 June and runs until 5.00pm on Saturday 28 June.

Throughout the week, a welcoming café will be open in Dacre Hall, with refreshments provided by Echo Eats Pop-Up, creating a relaxed space for visitors to pause, reflect, and enjoy the exhibition.

Set within the heart of the village, this exhibition is both a celebration of local talent and a thoughtful exploration of community identity. Whether you live locally or are visiting for the festival, Communities Unearthed offers a meaningful and visually engaging experience at the centre of Echo Festival 2026.