It’s the time of year when Aberystwyth people have cameras and phones at the ready for the annual photomarathon.

Traditionally held on the first Saturday of the autumn half term, competitors need to take six photos in six hours on six different themes.

The aim is to maintain FfotoAber’s photomarathon in its usual form, but will again be held virtually in light of rising Covid-19 rates and fears of an October peak in cases.

The event will therefore be held in a similar way to last year with competitors needing to submit their photos digitally in order to be judged online.

Like so many other events, the organisers have had to take into account public safety as Catrin Davies explains: “Following delivering a successful virtual event last year, we were hoping to be back to normal this year.

“With virus rates still increasing however, we felt that the responsible course of action was to work virtually again.

“Despite the constraints though, photography is still so accessible - and an opportunity for people to get out and about and appreciate their local environment.

“It is hoped again that it will provide an activity for the whole family, challenging the mind and imagination – and ultimately a lot of fun.”

In an exciting partnership all entries this year will be exhibited at the National Library of Wales, and Pedr ap Llwyd, chief executive and national librarian, is looking forward to seeing the exhibition.

“We have worked with FfotoAber at various times in the past and I am very much looking forward to seeing this partnership come to fruition,” he said.

“It dovetails well with our current photographic exhibitions by Nick Treharne and Jon Poutney and I look forward to welcoming many of the photomarathon competitors, friends and families to the library to see the exhibition.”

There will be four competition categories: primary age, secondary age and open and this year, in partnership with Aberystwyth University, a designated category for students studying in the town.

Prizes are offered for the best sets in each category and the best picture for each theme.

The event is being held with the support of Aberystwyth Town Council and mayor Cllr Alun Williams is pleased to see the photomarathon going ahead.

“We continue to live in extremely challenging times and it is vital that the activities we used to see in the town go ahead, albeit in a different way,” he said.

“Thanks to the FfotoAber team for taking the initiative with this virtual event and I would like to encourage anyone, individuals and families, to take part in this unique occasion.

“I am pleased that we as a council can support it and wish everyone who takes part every success.”

The event itself this year will take place on Saturday, 23 October.

Numbers will be limited and competitors will need to register to take part by sending an email to sign up at [email protected] before 10pm on Thursday evening (21 October) and follow FfotoAber’s Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages for more information.