Limavady photographer Rachel Cassidy reaches global final with stunning image of Binevenagh night sky
Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens, Councillor Dawn Huggins, meets Rachel Cassidy, whose photograph of Binevenagh and Lough Foyle has earned her a place on the shortlist for the Royal Meteorological Society’s Weather Photographer of the Year 2026 competition.
Thursday 29 October 2026
A spectacular photograph of rare night-shining clouds above Binevenagh and Lough Foyle has earned a Limavady woman a place among the world's leading weather photographers – and now the public can help her secure further recognition.
Rachel Cassidy, who works as a Visitor Services Advisor at Limavady Visitor Information Centre, is the only photographer from Northern Ireland to reach the final shortlist of the Royal Meteorological Society's Weather Photographer of the Year 2026 competition.
Her photograph, titled A Midsummer Night’s Dream, was selected from thousands of entries submitted worldwide, showcasing one of the north coast's most striking landscapes to an international audience.
With public voting now open and the winners due to be announced on 17 November, Rachel is hoping her image will capture hearts as well as imaginations.
A magical moment above Binevenagh
Rachel posted the photo on 26 June 2924, saying: “A truly sensational NLC display in the early hours of this morning. I’ll never forget it. (Overlooking Binevenagh, Lough Foyle & Donegal).” (Image: Rachel Cassidy)
Rachel's photograph captures noctilucent clouds, an atmospheric phenomenon sometimes described as summer night-shining clouds, glowing in the sky above Binevenagh and Lough Foyle.
These unusual clouds form extremely high in the atmosphere and can become visible during summer twilight when the Sun, already below the horizon, continues to illuminate them.
Their delicate, luminous appearance can create remarkable displays against the darkening sky, making them a particularly fascinating subject for weather and landscape photographers.
For Rachel, the image represents more than an extraordinary weather event. It is an opportunity to share the natural beauty of her home area with people around the world.
A proud moment for local photographer
Speaking about reaching the international shortlist, Rachel said:
“I entered the competition because of my passion for weather, landscape and our local area, so to make the final shortlist is an incredible honour.
“To be selected from thousands of entries around the world and have the opportunity to share a little piece of our part of the world with an international audience is really special.”
Rachel works at Limavady Visitor Information Centre, based within the Roe Valley Arts and Cultural Centre, where she helps visitors discover the attractions and landscapes of the Causeway Coast and Glens.
Her achievement has also been welcomed by Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, which praised her talent and the international recognition she has received.
Mayor Councillor Dawn Huggins said:
“We are all thrilled for Rachel.
“She has a real talent and it is wonderful for her to be recognised at this level.
“I wish her the best of luck in the competition.”
International recognition for a local landscape
Organised by the Royal Meteorological Society, Weather Photographer of the Year celebrates outstanding photography capturing the beauty, drama and science of weather.
Entries are assessed by a judging panel that includes leading photographers and well-known UK weather presenters.
Rachel's selection from thousands of international entries places her photograph among this year's standout images, while bringing fresh attention to the remarkable scenery of Binevenagh and Lough Foyle.
The competition also gives the public an opportunity to celebrate their favourite shortlisted photographs through an online vote.
How to support Rachel
Members of the public can support Rachel by visiting the Royal Meteorological Society's Weather Photographer of the Year 2026 shortlist and voting for her photograph, A Midsummer Night’s Dream.
The shortlist and voting information can be found through the Royal Meteorological Society website below!
The official winners and runners-up are due to be announced on Tuesday 17 November 2026.
Whatever the final result, Rachel's achievement has already taken a remarkable moment above Binevenagh from the north coast to the world stage – offering a reminder that some of the most extraordinary sights in nature can be found right on our doorstep.
