The Commissioner for Older People's popular Christmas photography competition is back for 2026!

The Commissioner for Older People's popular Christmas photography competition is back for 2026!

The competition invites anyone aged 60 and over from across Northern Ireland to take part and explore the theme of ‘achievement’ through photography. This can be a picture you have taken of something which represents what you have achieved or something that makes you feel proud. It could be a person, a place, an object or even a special moment - anything that tells your personal journey.

The Commissioner for Older People for Northern Ireland, Siobhan Casey said: 

“I’m excited to continue COPNI’s Christmas tradition of the annual photography competition. This year’s theme of achievement is a wonderful way to show and celebrate your achievements in life – which is something that al of us too often overlook". 

The competition is not only a fantastic way to showcase great photography, but also provides an opportunity for older people to reflect on their own personal achievements as well as  highlight to the wider public the important and diverse achievements of older people across Northern Ireland.  

I am excited to see the competition entries and discover how our entrants interpret this year’s theme.’’ 

The COPNI Christmas card competition is open to everyone living in Northern Ireland aged 60 plus and up to three entries per person can be submitted. 

Entries must be submitted via email to communications@copni.org or via private message on COPNI’s Facebook page. 

You can also post a hard copy to The Commissioner for Older People for Northern Ireland, Equality House, 7-9 Shaftesbury Square, BT2 7DP. However, digital copies are recommended. 

Please include your name and contact details (including phone number), a short description of your photograph and how it relates to the theme and ensure you have the permission of anybody featured in the photograph prior to submission. 

A shortlist of entries will be chosen, and the winner will receive a £100 voucher of their choice, with the winning image being featured on COPNI’s virtual Christmas card, social media channels and newsletter.  

The competition will close 12 noon Friday 4 December 2026. 

Terms and conditions 

  • Competition closes 12 noon, 4  December 2026.
  • Entrants must be 60 and over.
  • Three entries per person.
  • Please include a  description of your photograph and how it relates to the theme – this must be included
  • Entrants must provide contact details upon submission
  • Both digital and hard copy entries are accepted however digital is recommended due to quality.
  • Images must be hi-res, good quality and a minimum of 1MB
  • Entries can be sent via email (communications@copni.org) or via private message on COPNI Facebook page
  • The winning photograph will feature on COPNI’s Christmas card, and the winner will receive a £100 voucher of their choice
  • Photography consent must be given if entries involve pictures of people.
  • Image credit: Winning 2025 entry of Mount Stewart by Christopher Ross