The La Gacilly-Baden Photo festival is one that is particularly close to our hearts at Chill Report. After all, it saw the light of day in the same year as the popular lifestyle magazine. Our feature on the exhibition in Baden near Vienna, which was held under the motto “I Love Africa” at the time, was one of our very first contributions. We are therefore all the more delighted that the Foto Festival 2026 in Baden is dedicated to our beloved Great Britain .
What is the La Gacilly-Baden Festival?
From June 12 to October 11, 2026, visitors will have the opportunity to marvel at gigantic photographic art free of charge. “Gigantic” is not a marketing term, but an accurate description. Because the 1,500 images, which can be admired along a 7-kilometer route in the parks, gardens and old town of Baden, are all in large format. Over 30 different exhibitions can be admired outdoors around the clock, 7 days a week.
The motto of this year’s exhibition is “So British”. The choice of motto is no coincidence. As a partner of the French original, which has been running since 2004, initiator Lois Lammerhuber always brings the previous year’s exhibition to Lower Austria. Incidentally, this also explains the official name of the photo festival in Baden. But back to the British. They are an exciting people, after all, they do things a little differently to other nations. They have their own currency, drive on the left, drink tea, have a special sense of humor that has become proverbial and are masters at queuing. And they hold on to the monarchy.
Masterful photography
Of course, the photographs were not taken by just anyone, but by big names in the industry. Sir Don McCullin, for example, was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II. His pictures from the war are disturbing and show its absurdity. Martin Parr is regarded as a keen observer of English society. His portraits are not without a certain degree of exaggeration. Tony Ray-Jones‘ photos are dedicated to the world of consumption, while Peter Dench highlights the contradictions of society.
Josh Edgoose’s “Swinging London” is just as much on the musical trail as Terry O’Neill. Anyone missing female creators in the field of photography can rest assured. Gina Soden, who explores lost places, Cig Harvey with her experimental approach and Mary Turner with her view of marginalized population groups should also be mentioned. Exemplary, because the complete portfolio comprises over 30 exhibitions on various themes with a British connection.
Highlights of the Photo Festival in Baden 2026
“I Love The Beatles” by Michel Bouvet is certainly one of the many highlights during the La Gacilly-Baden Photo Festival. The Beatles admirer captured the most legendary songs of the Liverpool band in 35 pictures. The exhibition The Dream of Flying shows what people are capable of when they are driven by a thirst for action and curiosity. It was created as a commissioned work for the 70th anniversary of Vienna Airport with the help of festival initiator Lois Lammerhuber, among others.
Every Saturday you can discover the exhibition on a guided tour with certified Austria Guides. In June and August the tour starts at 5 pm, in September and October at 4 pm. The meeting point is the Info Point on Brusattiplatz. Participation is only possible after prior registration. Tickets for the guided tour cost € 13 per person. Visiting the exhibition is free of charge and possible at any time.
