Stockton International Riverside Festival: A Photographer's 20-Year Journey
The Stockton International Riverside Festival (SIRF) has been a beloved annual event in the North East and Cumbria for decades, and now, a photographer's captivating exhibition marks its 20th anniversary. Adam Parkin, a Stockton native, has been an integral part of this festival's history, capturing its essence through his lens.
Parkin's journey with SIRF began in 1991, when his parents attended the festival just days before his birth. This early connection to the festival sparked a lifelong passion for photography and the arts. Over the years, he has become a familiar face at the festival, attending almost every year and even participating in the shutterbugs program, where young people were given disposable cameras to document the event.
His exhibition, SIRF's Up 2026: 20 Years Photographing the Festival, showcases his unique perspective on the festival's evolution. Parkin's approach is distinct; he often sits at the front of performances, blending in as a spectator while capturing the raw, unfiltered moments. This method has earned him a reputation for realistic and authentic photography.
"I want to capture the moment from the public's point of view," Parkin explains. "I've been attending the festival before I started taking photos, so it's a natural continuation of that experience."
The exhibition, held at ARC Stockton Arts Centre until August 8th, offers a comprehensive overview of the festival's 20-year history. Parkin's previous exhibition, which covered 10 years of the festival, was a decade ago, and this new show provides a much-needed update.
As a photographer and visitor experience ambassador for the festival since 2014 (excluding the pandemic years), Parkin has a deep appreciation for the festival's impact on the community. He highlights the sense of community and international appeal that SIRF brings to Stockton, a small town with a big heart.
"It's a community atmosphere like no other," he says. "Everyone's happy, and everyone talks to each other. Stockton's such a small town, and to have an international festival is truly special."
Parkin's exhibition serves multiple purposes. For long-time attendees, it's a nostalgic trip down memory lane, revisiting cherished memories of past performances. For newcomers, it provides a positive introduction to Stockton and the festival's vibrant spirit.
As SIRF continues to evolve, Parkin's exhibition is a testament to the festival's enduring appeal and the power of photography to capture and preserve moments. It invites us to reflect on the past, appreciate the present, and anticipate the future of this beloved festival.
