In 2026 Lichfield Festival hosted Hidden Depths by Laura Page; a series of photographic portraits and stories of people from across the UK, reimagining ageing and defying stereotypes of what it is to be older. Hidden Depths, features over 30 portraits of older people, illustrating the rich and interesting lives they lead.

In sharing these images, Laura - winner of the Rebecca Vassie Memorial Award, which supported the making of the work - aims to challenge stereotypes and break down some of the barriers that contribute to age segregation here at home.

Among those featured are an 83-year-old fashionista (with a huge Instagram following), who is joined by a host of other similarly-inspiring characters, including a 72-year-old bodybuilder and a prolific artist (still going strong at 97).

A wraparound project of workshops and activities with community groups, schools, and members of the public ran from May 2026 onwards, with the next phase of activity taking place in later 2026, working towards a community art exhibition in July 2027.

For more information, or to express an interest in getting involved, please contact alex.clark-michalek@lichfieldfestival.org

As part of this project we are currently accepting applications for 4 micro-commissions from local creatives. Find out more at lichfieldfestival.org/join-us/vacancies