What Is The Dark Skies Fringe Festival In The Yorkshire Dales And North York Moors?

When the clocks go back and the nights start drawing in, it’s easy to just stay indoors and get cosy. But what if the darkness wasn’t something to hide from, but something to celebrate? Well, that's exactly the idea behind the amazing Dark Skies Fringe Festival. Running from 24th October to 2nd November, this event shines a light on the incredible, pristine night skies over some of the UK's most beautiful spots: the North York Moors and Yorkshire Dales National Parks, plus the Howardian Hills and Nidderdale National Landscapes. It’s a chance to see the stars like never before, and this year’s festival programme is packed with brilliant activities for everyone.

Get creative under the stars

Ever wondered what it feels like to walk through the countryside after dark? It’s a completely different world. This year’s Dark Skies Fringe Festival is leaning into that feeling with some fantastic new creative writing features.

Anyone visiting the National Park Centres at Sutton Bank or Danby Lodge in the North York Moors can grab a free pamphlet called a chapbook. Not sure what a chapbook is? Think of it as a cool little booklet. This one, created by Claire Hind from York St John University, is filled with artists’ thoughts and creative work all about the sensations of being out in nature at night. It’s a guide to help people tune into all their senses – not just sight – and use that experience to get their own creative juices flowing.

And there's more for book lovers. On 24th October, nature writer and Dark Sky Defender Dani Robertson will be at The Pickering Book Tree. She's there to chat about her new book, Creatures of Darkness, which explores the secret lives of nocturnal wildlife. It’s a look into a world that only comes alive when the sun goes down, a world that depends on a proper dark sky to survive. These new creative writing additions really show the special qualities of the festival.

Look up, there's a show on

Of course, a festival about the dark sky wouldn't be complete without some serious stargazing. And this year, the timing is perfect. The ten-day festival coincides with the Orionid Meteor Shower. This is an annual celestial event where the Earth passes through the dust left behind by the famous Halley’s Comet. As the tiny bits of debris hit our atmosphere, they burn up and create streaks of light across the sky – proper shooting stars! Seeing this in a place without light pollution, where the sky is truly dark and pristine, is an unforgettable experience.

The festival has loads of stargazing events planned at popular spots.

• Bolton Abbey
• Malham Tarn
• Ashes Farm near Settle in the Yorkshire Dales
• Sutton Bank
• Dalby Forest
• Whitby in the North York Moors

For something a bit different, people can head to Elsworth at the Mill near Skipton. There, Martin Lunn, who used to be the Curator of Astronomy at the Yorkshire Museum, will be giving a talk about the Great Northern Eclipse while guests enjoy a two-course meal. It's a fantastic way to combine good food with the wonders of the universe. The breadth of the festival programme is a credit to the National Parks.

Adventures in the dark

The festival isn’t just about looking up; it’s about getting out there and experiencing the beauty of the countryside at night. There are plenty of guided walks designed to awaken the senses. Imagine standing next to a powerful waterfall like Janet’s Foss in Malham or Mallyan Spout in Goathland, hearing the roar of the water with a blanket of stars overhead. It’s a totally magical experience.

There are other walking activities, too. People can follow a guide into the huge natural amphitheatre known as the Hole of Horcum, explore the dramatic Wainstones, or see the majestic Rievaulx Abbey in a new light. On 25th October, a special guided walk marks the end of summertime with a trip up Roseberry Topping. Walkers will pass the Hanging Stone viewpoint and watch the daylight fade before heading back down. These walks highlight the raw beauty of the national park landscapes.

If walking isn't your thing, there are other adventures. How about canoeing under the stars at Scar House Reservoir in Nidderdale with How Stean Gorge? Or for a spooky thrill, there's the Mad Alice Ghost Train ride. Budding photographers can join night-time photography skills sessions in Whitby and Settle, and everyone can enjoy the spectacular sight of Whitby Abbey illuminated against the dark sky. The Howardian Hills and surrounding areas offer so much natural beauty.

Fun for all the family

The Dark Skies Fringe Festival makes sure younger explorers aren't left out. There are lots of daytime and early evening activities perfect for families. Stump Cross Caverns near Pateley Bridge is hosting a Cosmic Adventures Workshop, while the Aysgarth Falls National Park Visitor Centre has a fun Planet Trail to follow.

For those who like getting hands-on, the Dales Countryside Museum in Hawes is running a dark skies-themed crafting session. And for a Halloween twist, the Lime Tree Observatory near Ripon has an early evening show called Curse of the Cosmos – a spooky tour of the universe. These activities provide a great introduction to the wonders of nature and astronomy for kids, all organised with care by the national park authority.

Why a dark sky is so special

Protecting our dark skies is becoming more and more important. The festival is a brilliant way to show people why.

Emily Watson, who is the Regenerative Tourism Manager for the North York Moors National Park, commented on the new additions:

“It’s fantastic to have new creative work featured in the Fringe Festival as it adds another dimension and way that people can become inspired to experience the wonders of the night, as well as highlighting why we should all care about protecting the quality of the skies above us.”

Helen Dalton, the Tourism Officer for the Yorkshire Dales National Park, added her thoughts on the timing of the festival:

“October’s Dark Skies Fringe event is a fine way to welcome in the longer nights and instead of shutting out the darkness, making the most of the opportunities to bathe in the beauty of the night sky, particularly in our most cherished protected spaces where the sight of pristine, star-filled heavens is so uplifting.”

This national event is a reminder of the simple wonders that are right there above us, especially in these protected landscapes. For the full festival programme and individual event booking details, it's best to check out the official website.