Be Enchanted by the Stars at the 10th Dark Skies Festival with Dame Maggie Aderin-Pocock

Imagine gazing up at a star-studded night sky so rich and clear you can almost reach out and touch the twinkling stars. This is the magic of the Dark Skies Festival in the North York Moors and Yorkshire Dales National Parks from 14 February to 2 March 2025. The festival is celebrating its 10th anniversary in style with a packed programme to inspire stargazers of all ages, protect our dark skies and inspire a new generation.

Dame Maggie sets the festival star-tling off

Dame Maggie's fascinating talk, Reaching for the Stars – An Exploration of the Night Sky, takes place at Sneaton Castle in Whitby. Not a lecture, but a journey to reignite your wonder at the night sky. Dame Maggie's talks are legendary for inspiring and educating audiences of all ages, leaving them star-gazing in wonder.

Both events are free but booking is recommended.

"A dark sky full of stars or a moon glowing brightly can do us all such good – inspiring our children with wonder about space and how the natural world works; helping us when we're sad by showing us how big and magnificent the Universe is; and encouraging us all to aim for the stars."

The following evening, 14 February, the festival launches with a Dark Skies Safari at Broughton Sanctuary in Skipton. Imagine navigating your way through the stars with expert guides in some of the darkest and clearest skies in the UK.

Dark Skies success across the decade

Since its launch in 2016, the Dark Skies Festival has grown in popularity with stargazers and adventurers of all ages. Over the last ten years, both North York Moors and Yorkshire Dales National Parks have been working to protect the night sky from light pollution. Their hard work paid off in 2020 when both parks were awarded International Dark Sky Reserve status – one of only 22 locations worldwide!

The two parks now form the largest dark sky area in the UK, covering an impressive 1,396 square miles. This means spectacular views of stars, planets and the Milky Way for visitors to enjoy.

What's on?

Our 10th anniversary programme is packed with events across the North York Moors, Yorkshire Dales and nearby Howardian Hills and Nidderdale National Landscapes. Highlights include:

• Expert-led astronomy evenings with stargazing.
• Starry bike rides and mindfulness walks.
• Workshops to help you photograph the night sky.
• Family activities like blanket stargazing with special torches.

Whether you're an astronomer or simply star-gazer, there's something for everyone.

Festival boosts local economy

While the festival is a wonderful way to spend time, it's also a lifeline for local communities. Each year, 4,000 to 5,000 visitors attend events, injecting around £500,000 into the local economy through ticket sales, accommodation, food and drink and even takeaway stargazing gear.

Many local businesses have also signed up to become Dark Skies Friendly. Pubs, activity providers and accommodation providers are all offering special stargazing experiences and goodies from warm blankets and hot chocolate to bespoke nighttime adventures.

Why is this important?

Light pollution is a growing issue, affecting millions of people. But the Dark Skies Festival shows how communities can come together to protect something as simple and beautiful as a dark night sky.

From low-energy lighting to raising awareness about the importance of darkness for wildlife and ecosystems, the festival is not just about gazing up; it's about looking to the future.

How to get involved

Ready to experience it for yourself? Browse the full programme and book your place at darkskiesnationalparks.org.uk.

So, dig out your warmest coat, fill your flask with tea and get ready to see stars like you've never seen before. You never know, you may leave feeling a little more Universe-connected.