An Annual Affair

Homer Sykes' wonderful new book, An Annual Affair, is an exuberant celebration of the survival of folk customs across the country that presents for the first time his recent photographs of these annual events. Sykes walks in the footsteps of Sir Benjamin Stone, whose great study of Festivals, Ceremonies and Customs (1906) was an early influence, and also follows the path of his own acclaimed book, Once A Year (1977) to celebrate an unbelievable array of processions, rituals and behaviours. - James Hyman, Founding Director, Centre for British Photography 'Homer Sykes has cast his inquisitive eye over everyday life and strange traditions in contemporary Britain. Returning to a subject he made his own in the 1970s - but this time in colour - his portrait of the English at serious play is as engaging and thought-provoking as ever.' - Professor Val Williams