Exmoor Dark Skies Festival 13-30 October
Countdown to Exmoor Dark Skies Festival
The thousands of stars and bright planets in the October sky will form the perfect backdrop for over fifty events during this year’s Exmoor Dark Skies Festival. From sessions in a mobile planetarium at Dunster and Barnstaple, and space-themed painting activities for children at Lynmouth, to walking under the stars with an astronomy expert, there are events to appeal to all ages.
Poetry writers are invited to submit a poem inspired by Exmoor’s dark skies in this year’s festival competition with prizes including a Celestron telescope, a family ticket for the open top Exmoor Coaster bus and a large hamper donated by the festival sponsor SBA CIC.
Local businesses Wild about Exmoor and Moor Wild Experiences are offering stargazing events all around the National Park for those wanting to learn about the constellations or see the stars and planets through telescopes.
Customers at the Poltimore Inn at North Molton with its new observatory, can book a talk with astronomers Jo Richardson and Dr Lillian Hobbs. On 25th October Dr Hobbs is talking about the popular natural phenomenon known as the Northern Lights.
The festival is coordinated by Katrina Munro of Exmoor National Park Authority. “Festival events have wide appeal, “ said Katrina, “and we recommend booking as soon as possible. There are free printed programmes available from our Exmoor National Park Centres at Dunster, Dulverton or Lynmouth. Alternatively, there is a full list of events at
www.exmoor-nationalpark.gov.uk/darkskiesfestival .”
Astronomer Jo Richardson and Katrina Munro are opening the festival with a free online Introduction to Exmoor, International Dark Sky Reserve on 14th October. Jo said “Exmoor has some of the darkest skies in the country and it’s the prefect place to visit to experience a night under the stars. Whether you want to walk the Dark Sky Discovery Trail or lie back on a blanket, gaze upwards and contemplate our place in the universe, there are so many ideal spots to experience the night skies. There are great places to stay too - Exmoor’s accredited Dark Sky Friendly businesses have the knowledge and equipment to help you get the most from your visit at any time of year.”
ENDS
High resolution photos for use with this press release are available here. Please credit the photographer by name - their name appears in the photo file name.
Interviews and further information or photos can be obtained from:
or Dan James - Rural Enterprise Manager (if Friday) 01398 323665 DTJames@exmoor-nationalpark.gov.uk
