Dark Skies Festival 2025
About
Dates: 14 February – 2 March
The 10th annual Dark Skies Festival will illuminate the beauty of the night skies above the North York Moors and Yorkshire Dales National Parks. This year’s event runs from 14 February to 2 March and features star parties, expert talks, and an opportunity to view the spectacular Planet Parade, where all seven visible planets will align on one side of the sun.
Highlights of the Festival
- 13 February Preview: Renowned space scientist Dame Maggie Aderin-Pocock will speak about space exploration at Sneaton Castle, Whitby.
- Valentine’s Day Stargazing: Celebrate romance with a unique dinner at Broughton Sanctuary’s Fire Temple followed by stargazing.
- Star Parties: Enjoy night sky safaris at venues like Wensleydale Ice Cream Parlour, Dalby Forest, and the Dales Countryside Museum.
- New Events: Explore dark skies with electronic dance artists The Long Dead Stars on a coastal walk, or join a guided walk to Rievaulx Abbey.
- Family-Friendly Activities: Astro crafts, cosmic cinema, planet trails, and accessible events ensure something for everyone.
Special Attractions
This year’s Planet Parade offers a rare chance to see Venus, Saturn, Mercury, Jupiter, Mars, Uranus, and Neptune aligned. Festival events include powerful telescopes for optimal viewing, ensuring a memorable experience for stargazers.
Families can participate in activities like:
- Cosmic Adventures at Stump Cross Caverns
- Astro crafts at Guisborough Methodist Church
- Planet trails in Buckden and Aysgarth
Accessibility and Inclusivity
Making astronomy accessible to all, the Festival features an online event with Professor Carole Haswell and an inclusive evening walk at Grimwith Reservoir suitable for all-terrain wheelchairs.
Quotes from Organisers
“This year’s Festival programme reflects how proud we are of what has been achieved since the first event in 2016. We’ve not only helped thousands enjoy the stars but also raised awareness about preserving dark skies.”
– Emily Watson, Regenerative Tourism Manager, North York Moors National Park
“It’s inspiring to see new venues hosting dark skies events, reinforcing the National Parks as stargazing destinations. The appearance of the Northern Lights last year has fuelled interest in astronomy.”
– Helen Dalton, Tourism Officer, Yorkshire Dales National Park
Plan Your Visit
For the full programme, including booking details and pricing, visit www.darkskiesnationalparks.org.uk.
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