Penarth’s iconic Pier Pavilion has become home to a powerful new exhibition capturing one of the town’s most remarkable community stories.
On Tuesday, 9 September 2025, local photographer James Richardson officially launched Sea You at the Shore, a collection of striking images that document the daily sunrise dips of the Dawnstalkers. For the past four and a half years, James has been rising early to photograph the swimmers who gather at Penarth seafront in all seasons.
But this exhibition goes beyond photography. Alongside the images are the words and voices of the swimmers themselves, reflecting on what the Dawnstalkers mean to them. Born in the depths of the COVID lockdowns, the group has become a community of friendship, resilience and shared ritual. Visitors to the launch described the exhibition as “phenomenal” and spoke of how the photographs become art, the words become poetry, and together they create something deeply moving about people and place.
The evening launch was filled with reflection and connection. Co-founder Grant Zehetmayr, long-time swimmer Wendy Vernon-Fulbrook, and outdoor influencer Carys Rees (@this.girlwalks) each shared heartfelt words on James’ work and the Dawnstalkers spirit.
As someone who has joined the group for an occasional sunrise dip (though I can’t claim to be an avid regular), I can attest to the sense of welcome and inspiration found on that cold shoreline. James’ photographs capture that essence perfectly.
Sea You at the Shore runs at Penarth Pier Pavilion until the end of September, offering visitors the chance to step into the Dawnstalkers’ world of saltwater, sunrise and solidarity. During this time, James is also crowdfunding for a companion photography book, set to be published in November: www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/dawnstalkers-photography-book.
In a story that feels fittingly Penarth, James will return to the Pavilion next week for a very different occasion – to marry his partner, Sarah-Jane Hocking, in the very room where his exhibition hangs. The two first met through Dawnstalkers, proving once again that this community is about far more than just swimming.
