The London Street Photography Festival takes place throughout July with a diverse programme of exhibitions, events, talks, walks and workshops many of which are taking place around King's Cross.

"The newspaper lies, the radio lies, the TV lies, the streets, they howl with the truth." Henry Miller

Most exhibitions are free, and you can book places for events and workshops at londonstreetphotographyfestival.org/diary

Event founder/director, Brett Jefferson Stott gave us his own festival highlights:

What is the festival about?

“The London Street Photography Festival champions the best contemporary street photographers, honours past masters and provides a space for discussion, debate and appreciation of the current relevance of this time-honoured genre.”

What makes street photography different to normal photography?

“Street photography is un-posed, un-staged photography which captures, explores or questions contemporary society and the relationships between individuals and their surroundings. Street photography does not need to include people although it usually does. Situated in public environments – which are often but not exclusively, urban – street photography is perhaps more easily defined as a method than a genre. Subjects and settings can vary greatly but the key elements of spontaneity, careful observation and an open mind ready to capture whatever appears in the viewfinder are essential.”

What are the highlights of this year’s festival?

First ever UK exhibition: Vivian Maier
Chicago nanny Vivian Maier died in 2009, leaving behind 100,000 never seen before negatives which are now being compared with the best 20th century street photographers.

Never seen before: Street Markets of London in the 1940s - Walter Joseph
Recently acquired by the British Library, fascinating views of London markets, street traders and entertainers were taken between 1947-48.

St Pancras Station Concourse: Entente Cordiale: Images from France and England - Nick Turpin and Nils Jorgensen 
A joint show by Nick Turpin and Nils Jorgensen, combining street photography from the UK and France.

Seen/Unseen - George Georgiou and Mimi Mollica

The Global Street and the Long Term Project - Workshop with George Georgiou

Why did you choose King's Cross as the main hub?

We chose King's Cross as the main hub because of its rich heritage and its fantastic transport links both within London and to Europe. New developments and regeneration are transforming the area into a creative and cultural focal point, with media and arts organisations such as the Guardian and Central St Martins School of Art relocating to the area.

Which is your favourite photo and why?

I personally like the work of Walter Joseph - the fact that this work has been unknown for so long is fascinating, as there were few photographers documenting the streets at that time. It’s thrilling to see how much life has changed in 65 years while so little has changed at the same time. I'm interested to see how this work is about to received by the public and with the British Library's stamp of approval I am sure it’s going to become a much loved and valued public record. I feel that since the credit crisis societies have started to look inwards which has heightened a fascination and appreciation for people and places. Doubled with curiosity of the past makes this exhibition that more relevant and important than ever before.

For more information visit londonstreetphotographyfestival.org/diary

Tell us your own highlights of the festival by adding a comment below.