Photo festival brings Beatles back to Yorkshire

Photos of the Beatles performing in Yorkshire have gone on show in Leeds for the first time since they were taken in the early 1960s.

Peter Berriff's pictures of the Fab Four feature as part of the Photo North Festival, taking place at the Carriageworks Theatre in Leeds.

The festival features 20 exhibitions, talks by leading artists from the North of England, screenings and Q&A sessions.

Co-founder Peter Dench said: "The North of England has always had a rich photographic tradition and Photo North Festival is committed to showcasing the incredible talent that comes from this region."

Mr Berriff is exhibiting pictures of a number of rock stars from the 60s, including the Beatles, Pink Floyd and the Rolling Stones.

He started taking the photos in 1963 when he was 17.

"I decided to use them as a exercise to practice my photography on. I have virtually photographed every pop star of the era," he said.

Despite the photographs touring the world, he said he was excited to be showing them in Leeds for the first time.

"This is the place I started and this is the place that [my photography] started.

"This is my old patch, so it's great to bring them back home again."

The festival is open to photographers at different stages of their careers, from established photographers to students.

It also offers free portfolio and career advice for people who are interested in getting into the industry.

Co-founder Sharon Price said: "You don't have to be a major talent, we support emerging artists.

"For the student finalists especially they are so stoked to see their work exhibited next to legendary artists."

Sarah Oglseby and Grace Wilkinson whose exhibition Raging! forms part of the festival said they were thrilled to be involved.

"I mean we are next to the Beatles exhibition, so that is really wild," said Ms Oglseby.

Ms Wilkinson added: "We are both northern and even hearing northern accents in a room full of important people is something that is not really heard of, and hearing female northern voices is even more scarce.

"It's really nice that Photo North has had us."

They said they also hoped to inspire the next generation of photographers.

"I hope younger people can come to the exhibition and can be really inspired to be creatives," Ms Oglseby said.

Photo North Festival runs until Sunday 13 April.

Listen to highlights from West Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North.