A FESTIVAL to celebrate the photographic heritage of Wisbech begins next week, with a full programme of exhibitions, lectures and workshops.

“We launched the festival four years ago, the town has a real photographic heritage of which it can be proud,” said organiser Peter Clayton.

The Photographic Festival 2011 - which runs from May 23 to May 30 - will also include the 61st annual exhibition of work from Wisbech Camera Club, on show at Octavia Hill Birthplace House all week.

“Our heritage includes Lillian Ream, whose unique collection records Wisbech’s social history in the 20th century,” added Peter, who is chairman of the Octavia Hill Birthplace Museum Trust,

Highlights of the festival include a series of lectures at Octavia Hill. On Monday Mark Pardoe will look at picture postcards; and on Tuesday Andrew Logan will show photos of 20 different anniversaries. Wednesday sees an exhibition launched by the newly formed Friends of Wisbech Courthouse; and on Thursday Wisbech Camera Club runs a critique night when visitors can receive help and advice.

On Saturday 28, the Wisbech Photographic Treasure Trail takes place - budding photographers can collect a camera, follow the trail and win a prize. Andrew Ingram is holding a Peep into the Past exhibition that day. A talk by Rob Morris on May 30 is about hand colouring photos.

Around the town the photos on show include pictures from the Lillian Ream collection at Wisbech Social Club and Institute from May 25 to 29; and Wisbech and Fenland Museum will celebrate the 40th anniversary of Freedom Bridge with photos of bridges.

1860’s photographs taken by pioneer William Fox Talbot will be on show at Peckover House’s Reed Barn; and at Fotogenic in Wisbech on May 25, visitors can have a Victorian style portrait taken.

Photos of Wisbech Fire Service are on show at Wisbech library all week, with a talk by George Dunlop on May 23; Mayoral portraits are on show at Wisbech Council chamber on May 28.